“What is physical therapy and what can it do for me?”

By Dr. Lenae Sexton, PT, OCS

If you are confused about what physical therapy actually is, it is of no fault of yours. Overall my industry has done a pretty poor job of marketing itself in a way that the public actually understands how we can help them. Changing this is one of my passions. This is one of the many driving forces behind me starting Kairos, this blog, and, hopefully, many other great things. I’m jumping in with two feet (maybe 4 if you include my incredibly supportive husband) to be someone better and to contribute to my industry in a meaningful way. On that note, here we go…

“Do or do not; there is no try.”

-Yoda

Due to my academic nature, starting a foundational definitions seems like the best place to begin this conversation. We must know the what before we can start to understand the why and how.

According to Merriam-Webster, physical therapy is defined as:

“therapy for the preservation, enhancement, or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training.”

So we have the dry definition, but what does this actually mean?!

To put it simply, we help you restore and optimize physical movement.

We can help you:

-resolve your muscle, joint, and tendon pain

-successfully rehab from surgery

-regain function after illness or injury

-improve how you use your body to actually decrease the risk of injury or re-injury

-optimize biomechanics and efficiency of your walking, running, hiking, squatting, lifting, etc.

BUT, this is not why clients call me. They call me because they are unable to do the things the want to do, or at least not comfortably or effectively. Maybe they are unable to do their daily runs that are so critical for their mental health. It could be that they are constantly fearful of picking up their toddler because they are worried that their back will strain. Another story I hear often is that every time they try to get back into their active routine, that one injury creeps back in. Frustrating!

Physical therapy is an effective tool to help you get back your active life. We will listen to your unique story and learn what your aspirations are. Then we will build a plan that is specific to your body, your pace, and your goals. Treatment will often be a combination of hands-on intervention and active movement/exercise. Treatment intensity will always be progressive, starting at a place that is appropriate for you and then building in a manner you are comfortable with. Every step of the way, your goals and unique body are the focus.

Whatever the story, we can help you get back to doing those things that you love to do, that you need to do. Moving and participating in life actively is one of the things that makes it most fulfilling. You can move better, feel better, and live better. If you feel like your body is not allowing you to do so, look for a PT.