50 Must Read Articles for Those Undergoing Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a major role, not only in providing solutions for those suffering with acute and chronic pain, but also in the prevention of dysfunction. Physical therapists provide individualized care that will help you address whatever problem you might be having.

Physical therapy techniques will vary depending on your condition, goals and your therapist. Your physical therapy care will likely include a mix of therapeutic exercise, functional activities, hands on therapy, and modalities such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound. You may have questions or concerns before undergoing physical therapy so we have compiled a list of articles that might help.

Inspirational Stories

Reading these stories just might provide you some encouragement on those days when you might not feel like getting out of bed to go to your therapy session.

1. My Daughter, My Angel This is an inspirational journey of one physical therapist that has been treating a four year old girl named Kyra who was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. She is now able to accomplish things that her parents only hoped for due to this therapist’s perseverance.

2. Face of Defense: Deployed Physical Therapists Keep Soldiers on Their Feet You will get an overwhelming sense of motivation when reading this article. Hear the stories of physical therapist in the armed forces and how they help soldiers that have been injured.

3. T. S. Bolton’s Survivor Story This story tells about a man that was diagnosed with NF (Necrotizing Fasciitis) which is a typically called the Flesh Eating bacteria. After losing his leg and the ability to walk, use the bathroom and even feed himself, he had given up. Read about the physical therapist that kept pushing him and gave him the courage to continue.

4. Opening up: Innovative physical therapy This woman lost the ability to open her mouth after a diagnosis and surgery for a severe tongue cancer. After working with a physical therapist using manual therapy, she is able to finally eat and open her mouth after being debilitated for 2 years.

5. What Physical Therapy Can Do: One Patient’s Story Read this heartfelt story about a physical therapist who gave an old man a new outlook on life. With some creative effort, he is now able to drive his wife to the grocery store and even deep sea fish which was his lifelong passion.

6. ALICIA’S STORY: Inch by inch, physical therapy eases pain and gives Alicia her groove back Alicia was diagnosed with sarcoma in her hip when she was 23 years old. Her physical therapist has helped her stop limping; manage her pain without narcotics, and most of all, given her strength and self esteem to make it through.

7. PT Provides a Priceless Gift A journey of one man’s struggle to regain his spirit after a life threatening injury. Learn how his therapist helped him regain the gift of “life”.

8. Injured physical therapist builds ‘dream’ wellness center When this licensed physical therapist was in a climbing accident and became paralyzed he thought his life might be over. Because of the support of his therapist he was able to build his dream facility and help others overcome their fears and disabilities.

9. Physical Therapy and the Camaraderie of Healing This article will help you appreciate the physical therapy profession. It gives you a closer look into a therapist and the struggles they face every day with trying to help people get back to the lives they are used too.

10. Michael Hulshouser’s Story Michael is a quadriplegic who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in October of 2008. He was unable to lift his and had almost lost hope. Four months later after hard work with his physical therapist, he is now able to walk by himself with the assistance of a walker.

Tips and Techniques

Here are some articles that might be beneficial to you before starting or while you are undergoing your physical therapy.

11. How to Prepare for Your 1st Physical Therapy (PT) Appointment Here are some useful tips to help you get ready for your first physical therapy session. Learn about what to bring with you, what to expect, and what questions you should ask.

12. Physical Therapy Tips - Everything You Need To Know A good article for those that have just been prescribed physical therapy sessions. A number of issues are discussed to help you get a better understanding of the goals needed to be reached plus questions to ask your therapist.

13. Children and physical therapy I and II A great resource for parents of children that are starting physical therapy. A number of facts are offered on many diseases and there is also advice on things to avoid that create posture, back, and neck problems.

14. Manual Physical Therapy for Pain Relief Manual physical therapy techniques are aimed at relaxing tense back muscles and restricted joints in order to decrease back pain and increase flexibility. Be aware that it is not a common physical therapy technique among physicians and may not be as frequently ordered.

15. 7 Things To Know Before Choosing a Physical Therapist Learn what to look for and ask when starting your search for a physical therapist. This article gives you everything you need to know including, patient’s rights, credentials, and the physical therapy process.

16. Injury-free knees - tips from American Physical Therapy Association This article gives you some good recommendations to help you prevent knee injuries that are frequently caused by using the wrong exercise routine.

17. Physical Therapy Goals: Basic Exercises and Your Back’s Health Provides tips and exercises for those with back pain undergoing physical therapy. You are also provided with a better understanding of physical therapy and the mechanics of how physical therapists treat patients.

18. Physical Therapy and the Alexander Technique This is another technique used in physical therapy that teaches people to change improper movement patterns by educating them on how to change their daily routine of movement and posture. It has become more popular through the years as physical therapy adapts to today’s society.

19. How To Lead An Active Life During Sports Physical Therapy If you are undergoing therapy for a trauma or illness then you should definitely read this article. Techniques are offered that can help you still lead an active lifestyle and actually increase your healing time.

20. Aquatic Therapy Reviewed Read this article about aquatic therapy which is a form of physical therapy in water. There are several techniques used to help people with arthritis and joint problems.

21. Physical Therapy Techniques for Tennis Elbow Tennis elbow is a common ailment that affects many individuals unrelated to tennis. This article gives you a number of exercises and techniques used by physical therapist to manage pain and movement.

Basics

Get the basics on physical therapy, evaluation, and treatment.

22. Physical Therapy Health Article This article will give you exactly what you need to educate yourself on physical therapy. Topics include the description and definition of physical therapy.

23. Psychology Today Physical Therapy Basics A more extensive view of the basics of physical therapy. Detailed information is given on the types of physical therapy as well as exercises and treatment.

24. Physical Therapy Basics A brief summarization of physical therapy and the services it provides. There is also a frequently asked questions page that can help you get some of the answers you need.

25. Physical Therapy Get a view of physical therapy and its many sub-specialties. There are overviews of Neurological, Pediatric, and Geriatric therapy as well as a few of the less common modalities.

26. Physical Therapy - Topic Overview This article will give you the fundamentals to get started on your therapy. From how to find a physical therapist to facilities that provide care, you will be able to make an informative decision.

27. Physical Therapy Recap A good article with short descriptions of physical therapy and its objectives. The focus is more on treatment and the rehabilitation process.

28. How to Make the Most of Your Physical Therapy Get the basics on how to make the most of your physical therapy sessions. There are good tips for keeping a positive outlook and what your therapist should be doing to help.

Neck and Back Pain

Back and neck pain are the number one ailments causing someone to receive physical therapy. These articles will give you some insight on how physical therapy can help.

29. Physical Therapy to Relieve Neck Pain This article will give you information on neck pain and what to expect from your therapist. An overview is given on treatments and exercises to help decrease your pain.

30. Cervical Disc Disease Treatment: Physical Therapy and Other Options A thorough review of neck pain and the treatment of. There are also suggestions that can help you relive some pain as well as exercises to help.

31. What Can Physical Therapy Do For Your Back and Neck Pain A complete look at what physical therapy can do for neck and back pain. From goals to ergonomics, you will find that everything is covered.

32. Innovative Physical Therapy Relieves Back Pain Educate yourself on different techniques for back pain. This article gives several studies and shows you the importance of communicating with your therapist during treatment.

33. Back and Neck Pain, Physical Therapy for Health Learn about the purpose of physical therapy for your neck and back pain. There is also a lot of information on precautions, results, and after care.

34. Physical Therapy Effective in Treating
Back and Neck Pain Read this article about a study done that shows the useful effects of physical therapy compared to alternative treatments. This is good to read if you are having any second thoughts about your therapy experience.

35. Physical Therapy Benefits For Back Pain If you are seeing a physical therapist for your back, then you should definitely read this. A description is given of modalities commonly used and when you should start feeling the benefits of your exercise.

36. Bulging Disc - Therapy And Treatment A bulging disc is a very common problem for patients of all ages. You can get a grasp of the physical therapy modalities that have been convincing for most.

Shoulder

Other than the back or neck, the shoulder is one of the most common joints to be treated in physical therapy. Learn about typical injuries and what treatments are given.

37. How does physical therapy help a rotator cuff tear? Receive facts about how physical therapy can aid in healing your rotator cuff injury. The goal is to improve the function of the muscles that surround the shoulder.

38. Shoulder rotator cuff tear treatment options: What can I expect? Rotator cuff tears are a frequent source of shoulder pain for many. This article gives you details on how physical therapy can help.

39. Shoulder Pain and Physical Therapy Read about typical shoulder trauma and physical therapy benefits in this article. Because of limited space in the shoulder, anatomic set up, and many different motions that can occur at the shoulder, many injuries can result.

40. Prevention & Treatment Strategies for Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Frozen shoulder attacks the shoulder joint capsule of a number of people each year. Physical therapy is an important part of the healing process for this affliction.

41. Shoulder Pain-What’s Causing It? Written by a physical therapist for over 17 years, this article gives you details on the origins of shoulder pain. There are also specific treatment plans that your therapist might design for a specific diagnosis.

42. Physical Therapy of the Shoulder This article gives you an idea of the exercises your therapist will give you for your shoulder. Read about the importance of ice wraps and get specific tips on what to do before your therapy session.

Knee

Knee problems occur in people of all ages. From Meniscus Tears to Osteoarthritis, studies have shown that physical therapy has aided many in the rehabilitation process.

43. Physical Therapy And Exercise Helps Osteoarthritis Of The Knee If you have been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis of the knee then this is the article you need to read. Manual physical therapy was given to a number of patients and their pain significantly decreased.

44. Knee Physical Therapy Learn interesting facts about the knee and the ways physical therapy can help. There is also advice on simple mistakes made that can help prevent trauma or injury.

45. How to Use Physical Therapy to Recover From a Knee Arthroscopy Get all you need to know on aftercare and what to expect in your therapy if you have had an arthroscopy. There are tips on pain relief, exercise, and even warnings signs to watch out for in case of complications.

46. Physical Therapy Vs Knee Surgery? This is a great resource if your doctor has given you the option of surgery for your knee injury. Comparisons are given on both aspects to help you make your decision.

47. How to Survive Physical Therapy After a Knee Injury Physical therapy is hard work but read this article and you will have the courage to face whatever is in store for you. Listening to your therapist and doing what they tell you will put you on the road to recovery.

48. Recovering from Total Knee Replacement-Tips for Getting Through Physical Therapy A total knee replacement is a major surgery with plenty of rehabilitation to come in the days ahead. With this article, you will be able to know what to expect from your therapy to make the most out of your recovery process.

49. How Physical Therapy Knee Exercises May Help You Educate yourself on the main functions of knee rehabilitation and how to restore function and mobility while decreasing pain and discomfort. Learn about manual manipulation and certain exercises that can help.

50. Knee Pain Center Physical Therapy This article gives you details about gait retraining, a common procedure used by therapists. The therapist analyzes your gait and helps you learn to walk more normally to help alleviate your pain.

Physical therapists each have unique gifts, talents, and abilities to assist you in meeting your goals, whether it is to decrease pain or increase mobility. We hope that these articles have provided some knowledge as well as inspiration to help you on the road to recovery.

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