Working out has continued to be a significant form of stress relief for many people. However, overtraining or bad technique can cause physical damage. Subsequently, strained or aching muscles, tendons, and joints can prevent folks from getting the workouts they want. Some injuries can heal with adequate rest and stretches, but many people can benefit immensely from seeing professional physical therapists or chiropractors for a personalized recovery process. Read on to discover the signs that show that you might need physical therapy (PT) or chiropractic help.
Do You Need to Seek Out Professional Help?
There are many signs that can tell you if you have a minor injury or need to seek out professional help to deal with your symptoms. Read on to discover the signs that show that you might need physical therapy (PT) or chiropractic help.
You Experience Sharp or Lingering Pain
Different types of pain can indicate it’s time to set up a consultation with a physical therapist. The two most common types of pain that result in the need for PT routines are sharp pain and lingering pain.
- Sharp Pain: You can typically solve dull pain with an ice pack and some rest. However, sharp pain that doesn’t seem to be making any progress could signify an underlying issue. Sharp pain is intense and is generally described as cutting or shooting pain. Injuries such as stress fractures and muscle strains are likely to produce sharp pain.
- Lingering Pain: Some soreness after a hard workout is normal, but persistent pain is not. Lingering pain is constant and distressing. If you find yourself writhing in pain days after an intense session, you should get looked over by a professional physical therapist.
Injuries
Suffering falls or any kind of trauma can damage your bones, muscles, and ligaments. It is always a good idea to get checked so you can address problems at an early stage and heal up faster.
Repetitive Use
Repetitive use conditions take place when someone engages in an activity repeatedly. Conditions like tennis elbow or carpal tunnel can cause you chronic pain and limit your range of motion. Physical therapy can help identify the activities that are triggering your pain and prescribe exercises to strengthen your muscles to minimize the chances that the pain returns.
You Notice a Bodily Difference
You know your body best. You know how your back and limbs usually feel. When you don’t physically feel like your best self for an extended period, you may be due for a bodily assessment by a professional. A custom routine of exercises and stretches from a licensed physical therapist can help you return to full mobility and avert prolonged discomfort.
Other Treatments Are Ineffective
In cases of chronic or post-surgery pain, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you tolerate the discomfort. However, one of the signs you might need physical therapy is noticing your medication doesn’t relieve any soreness. Instead of bogging down your body with a higher medication intake and getting some unwanted side effects, consider setting up a PT appointment.
What to Do to Heal Injuries
Physical Therapy
Various types of physical therapy can treat various ailments. For example, orthopedic physical therapy intends to restore bodily functions that have been compromised by a serious accident or sudden mobility loss. Pediatric physical therapy can help kids adjust to growth spurts and build strength. Geriatric physical therapy for older adults helps them improve posture, gain strength, and ameliorate pain. Physical therapy can also help people with brain or spinal injuries to increase their quality of life. It can also help health with sports injuries.
The type of PT you need will depend on your condition, age, and recovery goals. Some facilities even offer free pain consultations to establish the source of your pain and the potential solutions and steps to take in order to move forward.
Chiropractic Care
Another option is to solicit the services of an experienced chiropractor. This is especially useful when you have neck, back, joint, arm, and leg pain. Chiropractors use muscle manipulation and not formal prescriptions to treat the pain.
When under intense pain, rest for as long as it takes for workouts to be manageable. As you go back to an exercise routine, start with simple activities and build resistance as your body heals and gets stronger. Liaise with the chiropractor on when you should start exercising and the best techniques to set you back to a regular workout schedule. For instance, if you have a knee injury, running might not be an appropriate exercise, but you can walk, swim and lift weights using your arms.
Lifestyle Changes
The first thing to do when experiencing an injury is to stop your regular routine. Additionally, eat a high protein diet with lots of healthy fluids, and incorporate supplements to boost your immune system in order to make injuries heal faster. If you work out under a gym instructor, remember to let them know about the injury, the type of pain, and the treatment plan.
Now that you know the signs telling you that you need physical therapy, you should get help from professionals. Treat the injury, decrease your pain, and integrate healthy habits that can help you to stay well and avoid getting worse.
To a Healthier Fitter You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
