When an area of the body has been injured or it becomes impaired in some fashion, physical therapy can often restore or at least improve that part of the body that was affected. The body’s mobility can be affected through injury or disease; the results are limited mobility and swollen limbs. Many doctors recommend that their patients use the specialized services of those who are skilled in the practice of physical therapy, often times, with the proper care, the patient can return to the same condition as before the incident. There are a host of different therapies that can be used, most of which require physical therapy supplies of one type or another.
When the patient first visits the physical therapist he or she is assessed, once the initial assessment is finished, the therapist or the physical therapy assistant will develop an “action plan.” The plan usually includes a series of exercises that are unique to the patient; the objective is to increase the mobility in the affected area. It may be necessary to use certain physical therapy supplies such as hot and cold packs and massage to stimulate the area of the body that has limited movement. Usually the physical therapist assigns certain exercises that are to be conducted at home between visits to the clinic.
Usually the therapy takes place in a dedicated rehab center which is outfitted with all different exercise equipment. On first impression it would not be hard to think you were in a gym or health spa. There will be all different sorts of physical therapy supplies and equipment which can include exercise bikes, free weights, rowing machines, treadmills and much more. Many rehab centers are equipped with whirlpool baths and treatment rooms where the therapist can perform specific stretching and manipulation of the patient’s body and limbs. Although the facilities are not the same, if the patient is not yet ready to leave the home, the physical therapist can do his or her work in the home of the patient as well.
Most physical therapy treatments are custom designed for the patient, at times the patient may be returned to pre-accident condition, at other times partial recovery is all that can be expected and in some cases, such as a stroke victim, there may be sufficient recovery to at least allow for some movement of the limbs. Click here for more information.
