When it comes to living in Colorado, active lifestyles are the norm. From hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding, there are endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the Rocky Mountain state.
However, all of this activity can sometimes lead to injuries and ongoing pain. That’s where physical therapy (PT) comes in. PT can be an extremely effective treatment for a variety of conditions, both acute and chronic.
If you are dealing with any kind of physical pain or limitation, PT may be able to help. By working with a PT, you can reduce your pain, improve your mobility, and regain your quality of life. Yet far too many Coloradoans don’t take advantage of this life-changing treatment.
Don’t suffer without hope and healing. If you are in pain, PT can help!
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is a type of medical treatment that helps people recover from injuries and manage chronic pain. PT involves using a variety of techniques to stretch and strengthen the muscles, improve range of motion, and promote healing.
Most PT programs are designed specifically for each patient, based on their individual needs. This means that no two PT programs are exactly alike. However, all PT programs have one common goal: to help the patient feel better and improve their quality of life.
There are many different types of PT, but all programs typically include a combination of the following:
- Exercise
- Manual therapy
- Education
Most PT programs last for several weeks or months. The length of the program will depend on the severity of the injury or condition being treated.
Who Can Administer PT?
In the state of Colorado, PT can only be administered by licensed physical therapists (PTs). PTs must complete a 4-year degree from an accredited PT program and pass a state licensing exam. This means you can trust that your PT is trained and prepared to handle a variety of issues!
All PTs in Colorado must complete continuing education courses regularly to keep their license current. This ensures that PTs are always up-to-date on the latest PT techniques and treatments.
When you see a PT for treatment, they will complete a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your pain and design a custom treatment plan to address your specific needs.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy
PT can be an extremely effective treatment for a variety of different conditions, both acute and chronic. PT can help improve your quality of life in many ways, including:
- Reducing pain
- Improving mobility
- Increasing strength
- Improving overall function
Let’s take a closer look at each of these benefits and how PT can help.
Reducing Pain
One of the most common reasons people seek PT is to reduce pain. PT can be an effective treatment for both acute and chronic pain.
Acute pain is the type of pain that comes on suddenly, usually due to an injury or accident. This pain typically goes away after a few days or weeks with rest and over-the-counter pain medication.
Chronic pain is ongoing pain that lasts for several weeks or longer. This type of pain can be caused by various conditions, including arthritis, nerve damage, and fibromyalgia. Chronic pain can make everyday activities difficult and significantly reduce your quality of life.
If you are dealing with pain, PT may be able to help. PT can relieve pain by:
- Stretching and strengthening the muscles
- Improving range of motion
- Promoting healing
For example, if you are dealing with back pain, a PT may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back and help improve your posture. This can relieve pressure on your spine and lead to significant pain relief.
Improving Mobility
In addition to reducing pain, PT can also help improve mobility. If you are dealing with an injury or chronic condition that limits your range of motion, PT can help.
PT can help improve range of motion in all joints, including the:
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Hips
- Knees
- Ankles
By working with a PT, you can regain the mobility you need to live an active, healthy life. A physical therapist may use a variety of techniques to help improve your range of motion, and develop an ongoing exercise program to help maintain your results.
Increasing Strength
In addition to improving mobility, PT can also help increase strength. This is especially important for older adults, who often experience a loss of muscle mass as they age. This condition, known as sarcopenia, can lead to frailty and an increased risk of falls.
Resistance training is one of the most effective ways to combat sarcopenia and improve muscle strength. A PT can develop a customized resistance training program to help you build muscle mass and reduce your risk of falls.
Improving Overall Function
Finally, PT can also help improve overall function. If you are dealing with an injury or chronic condition that limits your ability to perform activities of daily living, PT can help.
For example, if you are dealing with knee pain, a PT may prescribe specific exercises to help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles around your knee. This can help you regain the ability to walk without pain and improve your overall quality of life.
A PT can also help you if you struggle to perform daily living activities due to balance problems. A PT can help improve your balance and prevent falls by combining exercises and manual therapy. Another example is if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. A PT can help improve your balance, gait, and overall function through a specialized exercise program.
How to Get Started with Physical Therapy
If you are dealing with pain or limited mobility, it’s time to see a PT. Physical therapy can be an extremely effective treatment for a variety of conditions and can help improve your quality of life.
To get started, simply find a PT in your area and schedule an initial consultation. During this visit, your PT will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam. This will help them determine the cause of your pain and design a custom treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Learn More with Axis Sports Medicine
If you live in Colorado and want to experience the difference that PT can make, reach out to Axis Sports Medicine. We offer a wide range of PT services, from sports medicine to orthopedics, and our team of expert PTs is dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life.
With locations across Breckenridge, Eagle, Frisco, and more, you are never too far from the care you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment – and learn why Axis is the state’s leading provider of PT services.
