Introduction
If you’re looking for new ways to improve your mobility, reduce pain, or recover from an injury, plus physical therapy might be the solution for you. Plus physical therapy goes beyond traditional physical therapy, providing a holistic approach with a focus on functional movement, injury prevention, and enhanced athletic performance. In this article, we’ll explore the various benefits of plus physical therapy, techniques used in the therapy, exercises to do at home for continued progress, the different types of plus physical therapy available, and the science that supports these benefits.
5 Benefits of Plus Physical Therapy for Improved Mobility and Pain Relief
Plus physical therapy helps address pain and mobility issues by focusing on functional movement. These are five benefits of plus physical therapy:
1. Reduced Pain
Plus physical therapy aims to reduce pain associated with movement by addressing the root cause of the pain instead of just focusing on the symptoms. This approach allows for a long-term solution to managing pain. Techniques like dry needling, manual therapy, mobilization, and stretching are used to reduce pain and increase mobility.
2. Injury Prevention
Plus physical therapy equips individuals with the knowledge and techniques to prevent future injuries. Through the therapy, individuals learn how to move correctly, adjust their habits, and prevent recurring injuries.
3. Improved Flexibility
Plus physical therapy employs active and passive stretching techniques to improve flexibility and range of motion. This helps reduce muscle tension and prevents the development of adhesions and tightness, which can lead to more severe injuries.
4. Enhanced Balance and Stability
Many individuals suffer from balance and stability issues, which can lead to falls and other injuries, particularly for older adults. Plus physical therapy provides exercises that help individuals improve their balance and stability, reduce their risk of falls, and maintain their independence.
5. Optimized Performance
Plus physical therapy is not just for the injured or those with mobility issues. Athletes, whether professional or amateur, can benefit from the exercises and techniques used in plus physical therapy. By enhancing their body mechanics and functional movement, they can perform at their best potential and avoid injuries.
How Plus Physical Therapy Can Help You Recover Faster from Injury
Plus physical therapy has proved to be very useful for injury recovery. Compared with traditional physical therapy, plus physical therapy focuses on the restoration of functional movement quickly. Here are a few specific injuries plus physical therapy can help speed up recovery time:
1. ACL Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a significant ligament located in the knee. A full tear of the ACL typically needs surgery and physical therapy for full recovery. Plus physical therapy helps reduce pain, swelling, and restore proper movement of the knee joint.
2. Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle can be a challenging injury to recover from, particularly because of the slow healing process and the likelihood of aggravating the injury. Plus physical therapy helps to reduce swelling, strengthen the ankle muscles for stability, and increase the range of motion in the ankle for a faster recovery.
3. Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. A tear in the rotator cuff can be painful and require surgery. Plus physical therapy focuses on exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint and prevent further injury.
Maximizing Your Athletic Performance with Plus Physical Therapy: Insights from a Professional Athlete
Plus physical therapy can help athletes at all levels to maximize their performance and prevent potential injuries. Professional athletes often use it to enhance their athletic abilities and recover from injuries. Here are some insights from a professional athlete who used plus physical therapy:
Interview with a Professional Baseball Player
“Plus physical therapy has helped me improve my athletic performance by providing exercises and techniques that target my weaknesses and help me achieve optimal movement and stability. The therapy helps me rate of recovery from intense workouts and games, allowing me to play my best consistently.”
Plus Physical Therapy vs. Traditional Physical Therapy: Which is Right for You?
While traditional physical therapy addresses specific conditions and injuries, plus physical therapy takes a whole-body approach to improve mobility, prevent injury, and enhance athletic performance. Some of the factors you might consider when deciding between the two include:
Treatment Goals
Traditional physical therapy may be ideal if your main goal is to address a specific injury or medical condition. Plus physical therapy is ideal if you’re looking for a holistic approach to mobility, pain reduction, and injury prevention.
Cost
Plus physical therapy is generally more expensive than traditional physical therapy. However, its long-term benefits, faster recovery, and enhanced athletic performance are worth investing in, making it more cost-effective.
10 Exercises to Do at Home After Plus Physical Therapy to Maintain Your Progress
Consistency is key to maintaining the progress made through plus physical therapy. Here are ten exercises to do at home that will help you continue making progress:
- Plank
- Squats
- Single-leg deadlifts
- Bird-dog
- Glute bridges
- Crab walks
- Clamshells
- Side-plank
- Push-ups
- T-band workout
Exploring the Different Types of Plus Physical Therapy: Which One is Best for You?
Plus physical therapy has different types, and the one that will suit you best resonates with your needs. Their focus ranges from manual therapy to functional training and sports conditioning. Some of these types include:
Manual Therapy
This kind of plus physical therapy focuses on achieving pain relief and restore optimal mobility It includes techniques like dry needling, soft tissue mobilization, and joint mobilization.
Functional training
This focuses on natural movement patterns, improving mobility, strength and stability through functional body movements.
Sports conditioning
This type of plus physical therapy helps train athletes to reduce their risk of sports injuries and enhance their performance through workout routines.
The Science Behind Plus Physical Therapy: How it Can Help You Achieve Your Fitness Goals
The benefits of plus physical therapy have been confirmed and provided through much scientific research. A study that was conducted at the University of Michigan showed that patients receiving plus physical therapy demonstrated significant improvements in balance, leg strength and could walk further.
Conclusion
Plus physical therapy offers a unique approach to mobility and pain relief, providing a comprehensive solution to injury recovery, injury prevention, flexibility, balance, stability and enhanced athletic performance. Exercises and techniques provided throughout the therapy are aimed at restoring optimal functional movement and preventing re-injury. If you’re looking to make progress in your fitness goals and mobility, consider trying plus physical therapy.
