By Rosella Campbell


Physical therapy is a way to rehabilitate patients who have developed impairments in their mobility. It is used to restore a normal range of movement for patients recovering from certain medical conditions, illness or injury. The goal of this kind of therapy is to aid patients recovery by helping them develop flexibility, balance and coordination, and muscular strength. Therapeutic exercise is a mature form of therapy and those living in Boston, MA will find there are a good number of therapists in their locality.

Physical therapists help patients with a variety of impairments and work in a number of health-related environments. They can be found in hospitals, fitness centers, schools, care homes, hospices, and other establishments where rehabilitation care is undertaken. Many choose to specialize in particular areas such as sports injury, senior care, child care and orthopedics.

When beginning a program of care, the therapist will assess the patient's present condition. He or she will also look at the patient's medical details and any additional information provided by scans and lab tests if need be. He or she will then create a care program to address the patient's specific requirements.

The exercises contained within the program will aim to work particular muscle groups, joints or limbs. The patient will be instructed on how to perform the exercises in order to get the most from them. This process may require some adjustment since patients may find some exercises easier than others. The patient will be monitored and exercises changed or modified as needed.

In essence, the program that is prescribed will incorporate exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, or a combination of these. Strength training in particular can be of critical importance when patients have suffered muscle loss through inactivity. It can also play an important role in restoring confidence when patients have lost physical capacity.

Injury and certain medical conditions can lead to impairments in balance and coordination. The elderly in particular are prone to these issues, which can make them vulnerable to falling. Balance and coordination exercises are ways to build up physical poise and thus avoid accidents and further injury. They are designed primarily to improve lower-body muscularity and also develop the body's balance and spatial perception capabilities.

Flexibility exercises can help patients restore the suppleness of their joints and their range of motion. They are also an important safeguard against potential future injuries. Most of these exercises involve stretching, and many are very easy to perform without equipment. In addition, many stretching exercises are emotionally satisfying to perform and engender a sense of well-being.

This is a critical component of exercise and bodily movement in the broadest sense. Those who have suffered with injury or disease often suffer a dent to their confidence and sense of personal efficacy. By beginning to move again and use their bodies constructively, many experience a boost in their mood and self-confidence. This psychological and emotional improvement can help tremendously in aiding patients make a speedy and full recovery.




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