Physical therapy positively influences an individual’s overall health, wellness, and fitness by providing services that positively impact fitness. Improving an individual’s level of fitness can prevent, remediate, improve, maintain, slow the decline of, or lower the risk of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities. Physical therapy services that impact physical fitness include interventions that affect cardiovascular/pulmonary endurance; muscle strength, power, endurance and flexibility; relaxation; and body composition.

Physical fitness is important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone. Being physically active can help you continue to do the things you enjoy and stay independent as you age. Regular physical activity over long periods of time can produce long-term health benefits. Young and older adults should be active every day.

In addition, regular exercise and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and disabilities that develop as people grow older. In some cases, exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions.

If you are trying to lose weight, an increase in physical activity is an important part of your weight management program. Most weight loss occurs because of decreased caloric intake. Sustained physical activity is most helpful in the prevention of weight regain. Physical activity should be an integral part of weight loss therapy and weight maintenance.

Initially, moderate levels of physical activity for 30-45 minutes, 3-5 days a week, should be encouraged. All adults should set a long-term goal to accumulate at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of the week.

Your physical therapist will design an exercise program specifically geared for your needs after a thorough evaluation. Physical therapists have the expertise to prescribe individualized safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with complicating health conditions.

When you have strong muscles, you can perform better at work, you can get up from a chair by yourself, you can lift your grandchildren, and you can walk through the park.

Most state governments offer direct access to the public for physical therapy treatment. This is allowing consumers immediate entry to address their fitness needs. Physical therapy clinics are often smaller settings that offer individual and small group instruction. This can be very motivating for persons who need supervised training, progression and modification of their treatment plan. The rewards include long-term benefits and improved quality of life.