The four different types of physical therapy — which one’s best for you?

When many people hear the word “physical therapy,” they immediately think of exercise. While exercise is often part of physical therapy, it is not the only part. Physical therapy in general refers to treatment designed to relieve or heal a disorder. There are many different types of physical therapy that can help with injury recovery, ease pain from chronic health conditions and improve mobility. Here are four different types of physical therapy and their benefits.

Manual therapy
Manual physical therapy is sometimes referred to as bodywork because it involves a treatment done directly to the body, usually using the hands. Massage is the most common. During a massage, gentle pressure is applied to targeted soft tissues in the body. This gentle movement serves to relax muscles that have become tight, increase circulation for better healing and ease any pain that is present.

Mobilization is another type of manual therapy that uses slow, controlled movements to twist, pull or push bones and joints back to the best location. This is especially effective when the tissues around a joint have become very tight and painful. When the tissues are loosened, the joint can return to the correct position and flexibility is increased.

Another form of manual therapy is manipulation. This treatment is given to a specific joint using the hands or a special tool. This application of targeted pressure to a joint can be gentle, forceful, rapid or gradual depending upon the need. The goal is to loosen the joint and relieve pain.

Movement
This type of physical therapy uses exercises designed to build strength, increase flexibility, improve coordination and work on endurance. These are not the jumping jacks from your gym class memories. These exercises are purposely chosen to meet your body’s current needs. Sometimes the exercise involves stretching. Other exercises build strength to reduce stress on a specific joint in the body. A common set of exercises addresses the need to strengthen the body’s core, which includes your back abdomen and hips. Frequently, a physical therapist will work with you to teach you the correct way to perform exercises and then allow you to do them on your own. The therapist may also suggest ways to incorporate exercise into your daily life by doing things like taking daily walks. The bottom line is that your body needs attention on a regular basis and a physical therapist can help you learn the best way to tackle the challenge

Education
Physical therapy also has an educational component. Our bodies do not come with instruction manuals so it is helpful to get guidance on how to perform daily tasks without damaging your body. For example, many people do not lift correctly and put unhealthy strain on the back. If you are recovering from a procedure, there are safer ways to do daily tasks from getting out of bed to taking a shower. Physical therapists are also familiar with the use of assistive devices and can guide you on how to properly walk using crutches or get your shoes on without leaning over. With some guidance, it is possible to treat your muscles and joints with care to avoid re-injury or a new injury.

Special therapies
There are unique medical conditions that can benefit from specialized physical therapy treatments. For example, some people have wounds that don’t heal well because there is poor blood flow to the area. Physical therapists may be able to use special cleaning techniques, oxygen treatments or electrical stimulation to help with the healing process. Another targeted treatment some physical therapists use is the application of cold to relieve pain or swelling. When the issue is stiffness, the therapist can use heat to help relax the tissues and muscles. Other treatments for specific issues include ultrasound therapy and hydrotherapy.

Getting the best combination
After a stay in the hospital for surgery or other medical event, it is wise to take advantage of physical therapy services for the fastest and most successful recovery possible. Most people will get a combination of different types of physical therapy. There may be heat applied, massage and education to address a single need. Being able to receive these treatments in a timely manner can ease the challenge of recovery as well as speed up the process. To have access to physical therapy on a daily basis, choose to recover in a short-term rehabilitation care facility where there is a team of professionals monitoring your specific set of needs each day.

An attentive nursing staff provides 24-hour care and ensures all of your doctor’s orders are met and can quickly react to any issues. Respiratory issues will be carefully addressed to reduce the chances of developing pneumonia. Glenview Terrace also provides a healthy diet at every meal filled with all of the protein, vitamins and iron needed for healing.

A stay at Glenview Terrace is all about healing as quickly as possible in an elegant setting. Accommodations feature elegantly appointed suites and rooms with a walk-in shower in each bathroom. Thoughtful extras for short-term rehabilitation guests include morning coffee and newspaper delivery as well as concierge services. The beautifully landscaped grounds with a spacious patio and tranquil fountain also provide both an elegant and calming environment for a time of recovery.

When it is time for expert care, consider Glenview Terrace, where the focus is always to help get you back to the independent lifestyle you desire. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.