10 Conditions That Benefit From Physical Therapy

For many people, physical therapy (PT) is associated with recovering from a traumatic injury, like a car accident. While PT can certainly be a helpful tool in healing and recovery following an accident, that’s just a small part of what it can do.

At Jersey Integrative Health & Wellness, our team uses innovative, patient-focused physical therapy to treat a wide range of medical conditions. Here are 10 relatively common conditions where PT could help:

#1: Back pain

PT is an effective, proven treatment for pain stemming from muscle, joint, and nerve problems in the back, especially in the lower back where most back pain occurs. Getting treatment early is key: One study found seeing a therapist early-on for back pain resulted in less opioid use and less use of more intensive, costly treatments later on.

#2: Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis, caused by wear and tear on the joints. Physical therapy uses exercises designed to promote joint mobility without putting extra strain on the joint. In fact, for knee arthritis (one of the most common sites for osteoarthritis), a recent study found physical therapy to be even more effective than joint injections in providing long-term symptom relief.

#3: Sexual dysfunction

Pelvic floor problems are a major cause of sexual dysfunction, as well as incontinence. Research shows physical therapy can be very effective in treating these problems by zeroing in on weak pelvic floor muscles and improving strength and function.

#4: Fibromyalgia

Characterized by widespread pain, muscle stiffness, and tender trigger points, fibromyalgia affects about four million American adults. A recent meta-analysis comparing PT to other treatments found PT to be “most effective” in relieving pain and improving well-being and quality of life in patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

#5: Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a central nervous system disease with direct effects on physical movements and mobility. Recent research shows physical therapy offers improvements in:

• Muscle strength
• Aerobic endurance
• Balance
• Gait
• Mobility

Regular PT can also help reduce falls, a common cause of injury and disability for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

#6: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD causes changes in the lungs that interfere with normal airflow and make it harder and harder to breathe. PT for COPD focuses on improving lung function, so it’s easier to breathe and oxygen intake is improved. In fact, research shows adding PT to standard medical care improves both lung function and quality of life in patients with COPD.

#7: Rotator cuff tear

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain, occurring when the tough fibrous “ring” surrounding the shoulder joint is either partially or fully torn. While some tears may require surgery, recent research shows that many patients achieve long-term relief with physical therapy aimed at reducing pain and improving shoulder movement.

#8: Neck pain

Neck pain is increasing in prevalence, thanks to the widespread use of smartphones and computers. Because of the nerves in your neck, symptoms can spread to the arms, shoulders, upper back, and hands, as well. Therapeutic exercises are a primary treatment and prevention strategy to relieve pain and improve strength and range of motion for patients with neck pain.

#9: Pain after surgery

Physical therapy after surgery can help restore range of motion and strength, which in turn can improve quality of life. Plus, many exercises used in PT improve circulation in the surgical area, helping to speed healing. 

#10: Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects as many as 10 million Americans, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the fingers and hands. Data shows physical therapy offers plenty of important benefits for relieving carpal tunnel symptoms without the need for invasive surgery.

Custom treatment to help you feel better

One of the biggest benefits of physical therapy is that it can be completely customized for each patient’s unique needs and goals. Our team uses a variety of physical therapy techniques and treatments to help every patient achieve optimal results. 

With offices in Boonton, Pompton Plains, and Jersey City, New Jersey, Jersey Integrative Health & Wellness makes it easy to get the care you need to start feeling better. To learn more about the physical therapy options we offer, call the office or book an appointment online.