When you think about physical or occupational therapy, you probably picture rehabilitation from serious injuries. While the recovery process can involve one or both types of therapy, injuries aren’t the only reasons why people seek out PT and OT treatment. The best physical therapists in Baton Rouge can help you improve health outcomes in many situations: managing chronic illness, treating severe pain and more.
Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy
Your body’s musculoskeletal system is a complex assembly with over 200 bones and more than 600 muscles. With so many moving parts involved, it’s easy to understand how injuries occur. Smart lifestyle choices can help keep our bones and muscles healthy.
However, some health issues can develop in spite of our best efforts. These include congenital disorders as well as those inherited that manifest later in life. And that’s where physical and occupational therapy can make a huge difference. PT can benefit people diagnosed with many of these conditions. Some examples include:
- Muscular dystrophy
- Osteoporosis
- Chronic pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis
Believe it or not, physical therapy can treat conditions outside of the body’s musculoskeletal system. With respiratory problems, PT can help improve lung capacity and diaphragm functioning with targeted exercises and breathing techniques. Physical therapy techniques such as scar tissue massage can help regenerate tendon and muscle tissues. People with chronic fatigue syndrome may benefit from endurance training and other techniques. In the case of vertigo, physical therapy could improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling.
When considering your treatment or illness management plan, you may want to ask your primary care physician about physical therapy near Gonzales. You can inquire about specific benefits that PT can offer for your specific condition. If you have health insurance, your provider could ask you to get a referral from your PCP. Depending on your insurer’s policies, you may be able to choose a physical therapy specialist within your care network.
Choosing the Best PT for Your Needs
Searching for a physical therapist in the area or for “occupational therapy near me” is a good first step. Getting referrals from your PCP is also wise, but researching on your own can uncover more vital information. As you peruse each provider’s website, be sure to note important details such as treatment options and insurance information. You may also find it helpful to check out Google Reviews — some PT providers include links to their reviews directly from their websites.
Once you’ve chosen some therapists you may want to work with, it’s helpful to read their bios and speak with them if possible. You’ll want to confirm whether each professional has experience in treating your specific condition. Ask about their certifications and credentials. Meanwhile, don’t forget to consider how you feel around each therapist. After all, the interpersonal dimension is just as critical to your treatment as the therapist’s skills and expertise. If you feel comfortable around the therapist, you’re better able to work with this individual and successfully achieve your desired health outcomes.
