Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has a wide range of uses and may be prescribed by the foot doctor to help treat numerous foot problems both acute and chronic including: arthritis, accidents, osteochondritis, injury, plantar fasciitis and many other conditions. Some ways that physical therapy can help include:
- Strengthening muscles. One of the primary reasons for repeated ankle sprains is failure to fully rehabilitate the injured ankle. In addition to helping restore the elasticity of damaged ankle ligaments, physical therapy helps build up the muscles that support the ankle ligaments, giving them extra protection. Many patients make the mistake of stopping therapy when the pain goes away but miss the benefit of this muscle strengthening which actually can help prevent another sprain.
- Improve mobility. Foot disorders that limit your range of motion, such as arthritis, hallux limitus and gout can be helped with physical therapy. Gentle movement and exercises specifically aimed at stretching and increasing reach can have a lasting impact on your ability to get around and maintain an active lifestyle.
- Decrease pain. Opioid use is at an all time high in our country. Using these types of pain relievers can lead to addiction, depression and other health problems. Physical therapy provides a safe alternative method of pain relief. Through therapeutic massage, stretching, exercise, ultrasound and other physical therapy modalities patients can experience pain relief without the harmful effects of opioid drugs.
- Avoid surgery. In many cases, physical therapy treatments can help patients improve a foot condition to the point that surgery is no longer necessary. This allows patients to avoid the loss of work days and downtime that comes with surgery as well as avoiding anesthesia and the risk of infection.
If you want to know if physical therapy can help you, discuss it as a treatment option with our podiatrist, Dr.Marc Fink,DPM, when you are diagnosed. Don’t put off seeking help for foot pain. Physical therapy and other options are available to bring relief. Schedule an appointment at our Chesapeake office by calling: (757) 547-3668.
