Dr. Jennifer Rolfing is physical therapist for Bronston Chiropractic and Community Care Clinics in Onalaska. She shares five benefits of physical therapy:
- Help regain mobility after surgery – Physical therapy helps patients regain mobility for daily living. While each patient’s condition is unique, most patients reach 90-95% of their pre-surgery range of motion and achieve all their physical therapy goals.
- Pain management – Rather than mask the problem with opioids, physical therapy reduces pain through strengthening, stretching, joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound and iontophoresis. These techniques help with pain gating and inhibition at the source of the problem, allowing ease in daily activities and work.
- Improved balance – Good balance is important for everyone. Physical therapy reduces fall risks for seniors, which helps avoid broken hips and arms. Young athletes benefit from physical therapy for high-level balance training to improve joint proprioception, agility and reaction time. Physical therapists provide individualized exercises to improve balance for all ages.
- Recovery from injury or trauma – For acute or chronic injury, a physical therapist can help restore range of motion and strength. Each injury is unique, and every person heals differently. Typically, physical therapists see patients 1-3 times per week for 6-8 weeks. During this time, expect hands-on treatment for joint alignment/mobilization and muscle stretching. An individualized home exercise program will then help maintain and even progress fitness independently.
- Reach overall health goals – Is knee pain getting you down? Is it hard to walk or run when your knee hurts after just a few steps? A physical therapist can help resolve knee pain and prevent future pain plus help you reach your exercise goals.
Don’t suffer needlessly with pain or lack of mobility. We’re here to help. For more information on the benefits of physical therapy or to schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at 608.781.2225.
