A decrease in your mobility can make it harder for you to get exercise, and to enjoy daily activities. If you are in pain when you walk, this is going to naturally lead to less walking. Here at PT Link Physical Therapy, we look for the root cause of your pain in order to reduce or eliminate the pain through a range of therapeutic interventions. If you are a resident of Lambertville, Fairborn, Bowling Green or Toledo, we are centrally located to meet your physical therapy needs.
Assessing Your Gait and Mobility Issues
When you go to physical therapy in Fairborn, a therapist will assess your gait by having you walk. Measurements may be taken to establish the range of motion or flexibility of your ankles, knees and hips. You will discuss where you have pain, and what actions bring on the pain. Here at PT Link Physical Therapy, we are ready to figure out what is going on with your body, and to create a treatment plan to help you heal.
Physical Therapy to Improve Mobility
Once a physical therapist is able to uncover why you are having problems with your gait, a treatment plan can help improve flexibility and strengthen your muscles. You will talk to your therapist about treatment goals, and you will slowly learn new exercises that help you strengthen your body. Pain can occur when you have tight muscles, or poor circulation in soft tissue. Ultrasound, stretching, and soft tissue mobilization techniques can help break up scar tissue and increase blood flow to the area. As you get stronger, you will begin to see improvement in your ability to walk with less pain.
Your Home Exercises and Overall Mobility
You will be prescribed exercises to do at home in between physical therapy sessions. Your exercises will build up over time, and they should not hurt when you perform them. If you feel pain doing an exercise, stop the exercise and let your physical therapist know. The goal is to build up your strength and flexibility over a period of time. You will progress faster in physical therapy when you complete your exercises at home as prescribed.
As Your Mobility Improves
Once you see improvements in your ability to move around, it’s important to take it slow. You may get excited and try to push yourself hard. Too much exercise in the beginning can lead to a setback in your treatment. Take time to rest in between exercises, and don’t push yourself to the point of pain. Your physical therapist will let you know how much exercise makes sense in your current stage of healing.
Physical therapy in Bowling Green, MI can help you improve your walking abilities and increase your quality of life. Take the time you need to meet with a physical therapist to assess your condition and pay attention to the home exercises you are prescribed. You can optimize your body by working with a physical therapist in Dearborn, paying attention to your levels of pain along the process. Here at PT Link Physical Therapy, we are ready to help you improve your gait and get you back to activities you enjoy.