5 Benefits of Physical Therapy l How does Physical Therapy help Sciatica?

Suppose you want to avoid surgery for herniated disc, sciatica, and other musculoskeletal diseases. The first option that comes to your mind is physical therapy. Research shows that 40% of people living around the world can get sciatica at some point in their lives, mainly between 30 to 50 years of age. Sciatica can heal autonomously after a few weeks without any medical treatment. Physical therapy treatment is sufficient to cure sciatica and other similar diseases. Do you want to know about the benefits of physiotherapy and how a physical therapy doctor helps sciatica? If yes, stay with us till the end.

HOW DOES PHYSICAL THERAPIST WORK?

A doctor of physical therapy isn’t allowed to prescribe or diagnose entirely. First, a physician will diagnose the disease and then advise the patient to seek a physiotherapist. The best physiotherapist develops a therapy plan for his patient. Furthermore, they suggest the best exercises accordingly that further prevent them from disabilities. They also provide surety of restoring functions of their body.

FUN FACT:

PHYSICAL THERAPY VS. PHYSIOTHERAPY

There is no such difference between these two terms. Both physical therapy and physiotherapy are the same terms. In the US, people use the term “physical therapy. Whereas people use the word “physiotherapy in England.”

EXAMPLES OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

• Rehabilitative Physical Therapy
• Occupation Physical Therapy
• Hand Therapy
• Manual Therapy

5 BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Some benefits of physiotherapy are as follows:

ELIMINATE PAIN

Exercises and physical therapy are essential for joint mobilization and treating soft tissues. Physical therapy helps in restoring muscle function and lessening the pain.

AVOID SURGERY

Physical therapy helps in eliminating pain through exercises, so surgery will not be necessary. Hence, you can reduce your health care cost by avoiding surgery as well.

IMPROVEMENT IN BALANCE

If you are at high risk of falls, a therapist suggests related exercises for prevention. The therapist also assists you with exercises for rapid improvement.

MANAGE AGE ISSUES

Becoming old is a part of life. At a certain age, bones get weakened, and the immune system becomes sensitive. Physical therapists help people from getting through such situations.

CORRELATION OF SCIATICA AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

Sciatica is a disease caused by an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve originates in the buttock or gluteal area. It’s the longest and the thickest nerve in the body; its width is almost equal to the width of an average-sized finger. Primarily, sciatica pain emerges in the lower back and sometimes down near the legs.

In other words, the joint between the legs and the spinal cord. Sciatica usually gets cured in 4 to 6 weeks, but it can last longer if not treated well. Suppose the pain is severe or lasts more than six weeks. You should seek medical help.

HOW TO MANAGE SCIATIC PAIN?

To relieve sciatic pain, a person should avoid sitting down or lying down for long durations. The person should keep himself active by going on short walks. Maintain a good posture while sitting for work. The person should avoid taking long drives in cars. They should travel short distances. If someone feels severe sciatic pain, then at that time, heat or ice pack can be helpful. Pain killer medicines are also beneficial for relieving pain. But you should take medications only after contacting the doctor.

HOW DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP SCIATICA?

Physical therapy helps in strengthening the lower back, abdomen, and thighs. It also aims to treat sciatica’s signs and symptoms and restore the parts from any disabilities. Furthermore, it also relieves lower back, buttock, thigh, and leg pain.

TREATING SCIATICA AT HOME

Suppose you want to treat your sciatica at home. Its most reliable treatment is proper exercise and maintaining good posture. Generally, sciatica goes away on its own in 3 out of 4 people. Some other activities also help get rid of sciatica. Exercises like Yoga, Pilates, and Walks help in keeping sciatica away and prevent it from returning.

HOW DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP OTHER DISEASES?

Physical therapy is essential for treating the following diseases:

1. HERNIATED DISK

Herniated Disk is one of the most common diseases of the spinal cord. First, you should see a physician. Your physician would recommend or prescribe you according to your condition. Physicians generally suggest physical therapy treatment or sessions.

2. BACK PAIN

Back pain can affect any age group for different causes. As humans age, the chances of getting back pain also increase as an age factor. Physicians mostly recommend physical therapy sessions.

3. TORN MENISCUS

The meniscus is a part of your knee and sensitive as well. It’s a c-shaped cartilage present between your shinbone and thighbone which acts as a shock absorber. So, it can be torn if you suddenly twist your knee while lifting or moving some heavyweight. It is one of the most common knee injuries. Mainly, physical therapy can treat torn meniscus without going for surgery.

4. SHOULDER PAIN

Shoulder pain is primarily widespread in older people. There are several reasons due to which shoulder pain occurs. Well, the most common ones are rotator cuff injuries, rotator cuff tears, and osteoarthritis. Well, here best physiotherapist plays an integral role. First, you need to visit orthopedic surgeons. Doctors of physical therapists aren’t allowed to diagnose.

5. KNEE PAIN

Knee pain can also be the outcome of an injury. Some medical conditions like arthritis, gout, and infections, also can cause knee pain. Physical therapy and knee braces help to relieve pain.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

In severe conditions, sciatica gets worse, and the pain lasts for more than 4 to 6 weeks. It would be best if you considered seeing a doctor. The doctors will provide a prescription for certain steroid injections, which help in relieving pain. Sometimes medication is necessary. Instead, they suggest their patients see a therapist for sciatica exercises. If sciatica pain lasts more than six months, the doctors perform surgery to remove that part of the spinal disk affecting the nerve.

PREVENTIONS

Some significant healthy habits that help us in preventing sciatica are mentioned below:

• Sit with good posture during work.
• Avoid sitting down for long durations.
• Avoid picking up something heavy.
• Exercise and stretch regularly.

___ AARIJ

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