A joint injury can be devastating in many different ways. Aside from the pain they cause, joint injuries can also cause a temporary loss of physical capabilities. Joint injuries can easily become very serious if improperly treated, so hurting a knee, wrist, elbow, or ankle may also cause you a significant amount of emotional stress. Physical therapy is a key part of any recovery program following this type of injury. Here's why you need to go to physical therapy:
1. You will regain your range of motion.
Your joints are small, but they have enormous importance to your ability to move. Your joints allow you to pivot your limbs so you can perform the movements necessary for walking, running, grasping, and more. When one of your joints is hurt, your range of motion will be limited. Part of this limitation is due to pain: when something hurts, your body naturally wants to avoid that motion. Certain injuries can also limit your range of motion on a mechanical level.
In physical therapy, your therapist will give you a set of exercises that are designed to gradually increase your movement capabilities. By going slow, you can restore as much freedom of moment as possible without injuring yourself. The process may be uncomfortable at times, but physical therapists are trained to push your limits while still respecting the limitations of your healing body.
2. You will avoid re-injuring yourself accidentally.
A physical therapist's guidance is invaluable during the healing process. Exercise is necessary for recovery after surgery or injury, but most people tend to push themselves too hard. Doing the wrong exercises or doing too much too soon can do more harm than good. Allow a PT to set the pace for you. They will monitor your progress and make adjustments to their proposed training regimen as necessary. They will also give you a list of exercises to do at home after your physical therapy ends. A physical therapist can give you a plan to ease yourself back into your normal workout routine.
3. You will be less likely to suffer the same problem in the future.
Joint injuries can sometimes be caused by a sudden wrong movement, but they're often caused by repetitive motions performed over time. Athletes are particularly susceptible to joint injuries, especially if they have bad form. A physical therapist will work with you to strengthen your body. When the muscles around your joints are stronger, they can provide more support. Well-supported joints are less likely to suffer from pain and injury.
