Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
If you’ve sustained an injury or have a chronic condition that makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. Anyone who’s new to this form of medicine may be wondering what to expect. So here’s a look at important things you need to know before your first appointment.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists are “movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.” These licensed, trained professionals can assess and treat abnormal function caused by factors such as disability, recent surgery, injury, and illness.
Goals for physical therapy typically include:
These goals all support the overarching objective of improving quality of life and helping you return to fulfilling daily activities as quickly as possible.
Physical therapy is prescribed for patients experiencing a wide range of circumstances. Although it’s often not the only form of treatment, it’s an important element of comprehensive care that can help you optimize movement. It can be used as part of a treatment plan for an extensive range of medical conditions, but here are just a few types of conditions it may help treat:
On top of alleviating a variety of conditions, physical therapists can provide services in multiple settings, including hospitals, outpatient offices, and rehabilitation centers.
Oftentimes, physical therapy includes guided stretches or exercises. You may perform some of these during your sessions, and then be directed to perform others at home to maintain progress. In some cases, sessions may also include heat or cold therapy, massage, or ultrasound to alleviate pain or spasms.
Each type of physical therapy is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. SouthCoast Health offers many physical therapy services, including:
The duration of physical therapy programs can vary significantly, depending on your needs. For example, soft tissue injuries typically heal within six weeks, but ongoing care may be needed to prevent reinjury as you return to your normal activities. For chronic conditions, regular sessions of physical therapy may help control symptoms.
Regardless of your need for treatment, most sessions last 45–60 minutes and are typically held one or more times per week. As you make progress, appointments may become shorter or less frequent.
For personalized physical therapy services targeted to your recovery goals and ongoing wellness, turn to SouthCoast Health. Our providers are dedicated to enhancing your quality of life through tailored treatment plans and unwavering support. Schedule an appointment online or by calling (912) 691-4250.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
