Thinking About Skipping Physical Therapy? 4 Reasons You Shouldn't

Physical therapy is necessary for many people. It combines stretching, strength training, and rehabilitation to help people recover after an injury, surgery, or medical condition. Returning to normal often requires weeks to months of appointments.

However, some people think a few appointments will get them through – but that's not always the case. If you're thinking of skipping out on physical therapy, think twice.

At Orthopaedic Specialists, Dr. Brandon Downs and his team offer various orthopaedic treatments, including physical therapy (PT) for shoulder, hip, and knee pain.

Who needs physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a conservative treatment physicians use to help patients recover from surgery or after an injury. PT aims to enhance physical mobility, functionality, and strength.

Many people can benefit from physical therapy, including those with sports injuries and people dealing with chronic pain. You can also benefit from physical therapy if you have any of the following:

Injuries

Orthopaedic injuries are very receptive to physical therapy. Whether you have an ACL tear from playing sports or you tore a rotator cuff from a fall. PT helps you recover from injuries by providing exercises and stretches that help you.

After surgery

Various types of surgery require PT afterward to help with pain control and mobility. It also allows you to regain activities of daily living and other tasks as you recover.

Chronic conditions

Injuries aren't the only reason for a PT visit. People with certain chronic conditions, including arthritis, back pain, and other neurologic problems, can also benefit from PT.

Mobility or balance issues

People with mobility and balance problems benefit from regular PT appointments. It's also suitable for fall prevention strategies and mobility exercises for those with issues moving.

Fitness enhancement

Not everyone who gets PT does it due to an injury or illness. Instead, some people use it to improve their athletic performance. Enhancing fitness is one of the many ways a physical therapist can improve your health and prevent future injuries.

Is it completely necessary?

Physical therapy is key in recovery, especially after an orthopaedic injury or surgery. It provides the training and skills necessary to regain function of the affected area.

Without physical therapy, the healing process would be much slower, and you may never regain the expected strength or mobility around the injury. Following the therapist's instructions and exercises is crucial to allow the supporting structures to help with the injury.

Four reasons not to skip out on PT

There are many reasons to attend physical therapy after an injury or surgery. It's essential to improve mobility and functionality. Although you may not like attending your appointment, you should think twice before skipping it.

We recommend not missing your PT appointments for several reasons, including the following:

1. It may delay healing

Skipping out on appointments can delay the healing process. We work on mobility, strength, and agility at your appointments, each a crucial step during recovery after surgery or an injury. A skipped appointment only delays progress and may prevent you from fully healing.

2. The pain could persist

Pain is an unfortunate part of the healing process that may not improve without regular PT appointments, where the exercises and stretching allow the tissues to heal effectively, decreasing pain.

3. You are at risk for future injury

If you skip PT appointments, your injury or surgery may not heal appropriately. If that's the case, you're at risk for future injuries because you can't improve strength and mobility around the injury.

4. There is no support during recovery

The recovery process is sometimes grueling, and it's essential to have the proper support. Our PT team supports you through every step of the process, collaborating to give you an active part in the recovery process.

Call Dr. Downs at Orthopaedic Specialists today to schedule a physical therapy appointment at one of our five offices in the Nashville, Tennessee, area, or request a consultation on our website.