How physical therapy may improve your physical function
In 460 BC, the father of medicine, Hippocrates, introduced the idea of manual manipulation for pain relief. That was the beginning of physical therapy, but it took until 1887 for Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare to officially register physical therapists.
In 1896, nurses in England formed the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. In 1913 New Zealand started one of the earliest physical therapy schools at the University of Otago. In 1914 a school for “Reconstructive Aides,” a term used for those practicing physical therapy, was established in the U.S. at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC.
The American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association was established by American physical therapist Mary McMillan in 1921. Due to her extensive contributions to the profession, Mary McMillan became known as the “Mother of Physical Therapy.”
Physical therapists were in demand during World War II and the polio epidemic in the 1940s and 1950s. In the 1970s, more specialized therapies emerged, including cardiopulmonary physical therapy, skin therapy, and sports therapy.
I’m sharing this history lesson today because October is National Physical Therapy Month and has been since 1992.
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare providers who help you maximize mobility, manage pain and chronic conditions, and improve physical function and fitness. The results can potentially help you avoid surgery and prescription drug use.
The American Physical Therapists Association says that PT can prevent or improve many chronic conditions such as long COVID, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and headaches. “PT can help you manage pain, avoid surgery and minimize the use of prescription drugs; recover from and prevent injuries; and improve your movement and fitness.”
I can personally tell you it works. Around four years ago, I was concerned about losing the range of motion in my neck due to osteoarthritis. Some years earlier, I had a friend who had to give up driving because of his restricted movement. After four weeks of therapy and diligently doing the learned exercises just about daily, I can honestly tell you that my head swivels better than ever.
My friend, Bob, comes from a family with a history of heart disease. His father died of a heart attack when he was 50. At 45five, Bob was a bit overweight, and his cholesterol was above the normal range. So he was advised to have PT. I don’t know the exact words his PCP said, but APTA says:
“If you have heart disease or heart failure, a physical therapist can work with you to help keep it from getting worse.” Physical therapists also can help people reduce their risk for developing heart disease. In addition, working with a physical therapist can improve your: exercise capacity, strength and endurance, overall health, and well-being.
“Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement,” APTA says. With a slight change in diet and therapy, Bob is going strong.
If you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for physical therapy, an excellent website to check out is ChoosePT.com. It’s hosted by APTA. Another is BonnerGeneral.org, where, under “Services,” you’ll see all the conditions treated by Performance Therapy Services. In Idaho, you don’t need a referral for physical therapy. Still, a conversation with your PCP is always a good idea.
The list of conditions that are treated by physical therapists is extensive. They include ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, amputation, autism, developmental disabilities, arthritis, back and neck injuries, brain injuries, cancer, concussions, foot and ankle injuries, headache, hip and knee injuries, dysphagia or swallowing disorders, hand or wrist injuries, lymphedema, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, multi-trauma injuries, musculoskeletal or orthopedic injuries, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, shoulder injuries, speech and communication issues, spinal cord injuries, sports injuries, stroke, swallowing disorders, vertigo or vestibular issues, women’s health issues, and work injuries. Whew.
APTA reminds us that the evidence is clear. “Physical therapy is effective, safe, and the best first option for many symptoms and conditions you might experience. In addition, you get to participate in your care. Treatment plans are specific to your body, lifestyle, and goals.”
If you want to be empowered to take an active role in your healthcare, consider getting an assessment from a physical therapist.
Kathy Hubbard is a member of the Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.
