Recovery from a severe injury, accident, or disease takes time. We all want quick recoveries so we can return to the activities and lifestyle we love as soon as possible. However, natural and long-lasting recovery from a serious injury takes time and requires proper care to prevent further injury or re-injury. Patience is a key virtue as you undergo treatment for an injury or ailment.
Here, we will take a closer look at physical therapy treatment and how this approach to care can work to reduce pain, restore mobility, and get you back to the active lifestyle you love. We’re also answering one of the most common questions newcomers have about physical therapy: how long does physical therapy take?
At Total PT, we believe that every path to recovery is unique. That’s why we work hard to develop personalized treatment plans for each of our patients. We offer close, one-on-one care for those experiencing a range of musculoskeletal injuries and ailments. Our hands-on, evidence-based physical therapy techniques, combined with our trained physical therapists, can help you recover from injury, boost your physical performance, and improve your overall health and wellness. If you need a fast, effective recovery from injury or ailment, give us a call, and let’s see how we can optimize your total health. Our extensive experience in physical therapy and rehabilitation ensures that you receive the best care tailored to your needs.
Who Could Benefit From Receiving Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a versatile form of treatment that can improve the health and wellness of a variety of patients. You might envision physical therapy primarily used for athletes after they suffer a serious a serious injury. However, physical therapy is an ideal, safe, and holistic type of treatment for many different injuries and ailments.
If you’re experiencing one of the following health conditions, physical therapy could be right for you:
· Chronic pain
· Limited joint mobility
· Sports-related injuries
· Car accident injuries
· Post-surgical recovery
· Rehabilitation from a stroke or heart attack
· Vertigo
· Managing symptoms related to diabetes or cardiovascular disease
· Adapting to the use of an artificial limb
· Learning to use assistive devices, like a cane or walker
Of course, this is not a comprehensive list. One of the great benefits of physical therapy is that this type of treatment can adapt to a wide variety of recovery needs. If you’re unsure if you could benefit from physical therapy, simply call a nearby office and tell them about your specific healthcare needs. Each patient is treated with a personalized approach, and if they can’t help you with their services, they’ll find someone who can.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Last?
This question can be answered in two ways. Either we’re looking at the duration of one physical therapy session or an entire physical therapy program. A singular physical therapy session generally lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Some patients may have one or two sessions per week, depending on their needs and their injuries.
But what about a time for an entire physical therapy treatment program? Not even our expert physical therapists can always accurately answer this question. The duration of a patient’s physical therapy is based on a variety of factors, including the extent of their injuries, the patient’s recovery speed, and the dedication of the patient to their own recovery. Since physical therapists can’t provide around-the-clock care to their patients, most physical therapy programs include exercises that must be completed at home. If a patient fails to complete their “homework,” their recovery process may take longer. Highly trained physical therapists are crucial in guiding patients through their recovery process, providing personalized care and evidence-based techniques to ensure the best outcomes.
Thus, it’s difficult to say exactly how long physical therapy will last for each patient. Some may recover from their pain and injuries in weeks or months, while other patients may require over a year for a full recovery. For patients who are athletes or who engage in an active lifestyle, regular, ongoing physical therapy can be an ideal way to stay in peak physical health and even ward off future injuries.
What Should I Expect From Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy involves much more than simply visiting a doctor and filling out a prescription. Effective physical therapy is a team effort and requires focus and dedication on behalf of both the physical therapist and the patient. So, what should you expect from a typical physical therapy session? Let’s take a look.
Your first physical therapy visit likely won’t include any exercises. Before you dig into that aspect of the therapy process, your physical therapist will perform a physical examination and work to determine your specific needs. This is the opportune time to be open, honest, and detailed about what hurts and what medical conditions you’re experiencing. The more your physical therapist knows, the better they can help.
Communication is key in the early stages of physical therapy. Use your first session to ask any questions you may have, and don’t hold back. It’s natural to be a little nervous if you’ve experienced this type of treatment before. Your physical therapist will walk you through the treatment details and help you understand the specific physical therapy program they’ve designed for your healthcare needs.
When you begin integrating physical therapy exercises and stretches into your therapy, remember to be patient. A complete recovery won’t happen overnight—this type of care requires time, patience, and determination. Your physical therapist should be able to give you a rough timeline of when they expect your recovery to be completed, but it’s impossible to know exactly when this moment will occur.
Be open and honest with your physical therapist. If a certain exercise hurts, let them know. A little pain is a natural part of the healing process, but you shouldn’t force it if it’s too intense. The best physical therapists know how hard to push you as you heal and recover.
Understanding Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an effective form of holistic treatment that can help many different kinds of patients. If you’re recovering from an auto accident, limited mobility, sports-related injury, adapting to an artificial limb, or more, you could benefit from receiving physical therapy.
These specialists will work with you to develop a personalized program based on a series of exercises and stretches that can help you get back to an active lifestyle. The exact duration of physical therapy will change for every patient, but you should expect to work with your physical therapist for at least a few weeks to a month. Receiving regular physical therapy can help you achieve optimal physical fitness and prevent future injuries.
Total Physical Therapy is your choice for the best physical therapy treatment in the Denver area. You’ll have a faster and more effective recovery with personalized care and optimal one-on-one access to Colorado’s leading physical therapists. If you’re suffering from a sports injury, car accident injury, or require general physical therapy, the team at Total PT is here to help. Our proven physical therapy techniques can provide quick pain relief, restore mobility, and even work to prevent future injuries. With a holistic approach to care and recovery, our physical therapists offer treatment for your total health.
Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and comprehensive consultation. Together, let’s get you back to the active, healthy lifestyle you love.
