Physical Therapy Can Help With Your Fitness Goals

By Deborah Holmes, PT

Complete Physical Therapy

. http://www.phystherapy.com/

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Physical Therapy Can Help With Your Fitness Goals

Like most people, you have probably heard that physical activity, including exercise, is good for you.

If you're already active, keep up the good work. It may even be time to push yourself a little harder, try a new activity, or find new ways to add exercise to your daily life.

Physical therapy positively influences an individuals overall health, wellness, and fitness by providing customized exercise programs for your individual needs. Improving your level of fitness can prevent physical impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.

Physical therapy services also positively impact cardiovascular and pulmonary health as well as muscle strength, power, endurance and flexibility.

Regular exercise and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and disabilities that occur as people grow older. In most cases, exercise is an effective treatment for chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes.

Physical therapists are trained to treat patients with many conditions that are commonly seen after an acute or chronic illness. Getting to your optimal fitness level despite your underlying condition is a good reason to have a consultation with your physical therapist.

Being physically active can help you continue to do the things you enjoy and stay independent as you age. Regular physical activity over a period of time can produce long-term health benefits. For example, exercise can positively affect persons with high blood pressure, balance problems, or difficulty walking.

That is why physical therapists stress that all age groups should be active every day to maintain their health.

The Battle To Lose Weight

If you are trying to lose weight, an increase in physical activity is an important part of your weight management program. This should include a program that will decrease caloric intake as well as increase physical activity and exercise. 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. Children should be active at least one hour daily in some form of physical activity.

Your physical therapist can 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.

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 physical benefits and improved quality of life.