5 Ways Men Can Benefit From Physical Therapy
The truth of the matter is men (and women) of all ages can benefit from physical therapy. Do you have or know of a man in your life that is experiencing aches and discomfort but has yet to consult a physical therapist? Physical therapy will not only help cure your current discomforts but can work to help manage chronic conditions and teach you long term pain management tips.
Whether it’s a yearly checkup or bi-weekly routine trips to your doctor, there are a number of benefits to physical therapy.
At our Denver physical therapy practice here at Klein PT, we find these five ways men can benefit from physical therapy to be the most common (and the most successful!).
#1: Physical Therapy Can Help Cure Sexual Dysfunction in Men
Although this is a common issue that plagues men and women alike, it doesn't make it any less embarrassing. One way men can benefit from physical therapy is discussing and curing problems of sexual dysfunction. Most men that experience problems with incontinence and erectile dysfunction are embarrassed and end up suffering for years without consulting treatment or the help of a professional.
Some other issues that plague men include interstitial cystitis and prostatitis. Physical therapy is capable of resolving a number of bowel or bladder issues and if you are experiencing issues of bladder infection, sexual dysfunction, or irregular bowel problems consulting your physical therapist or doctor can make a world of difference.
#2: Post Injury and Sports Performance Recovery is Enhanced with Men’s PT
Chances are at some point in life you have lifted something too heavy or competed in some sort of sports related activity. While these activities are great for your overall health and wellbeing they oftentimes result in unwanted injury.
One common injury that plagues most men are labral tears. These tears can be caused quite frankly by a number of reasons including sports related injuries, overuse, or overextension. Labral hip tears affect the cartilage on the outside rim of your hip. This affects the cushion that connects your hip joint and leads to extreme discomfort. Physical therapists can help restore movement and ease discomfort to any part of the body including: ankle, feet, arm, foot, head, knee, back, etc.
#3: Helps Support Pain Management Techniques
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a physical therapist is a trained professional with experience in diagnosing physical abnormalities, restoring function, maintaining physical function, and promoting physical activity.
With training and licensing physical therapy has many benefits to offer pain management is at the top of that list. Physical therapists take care of a patient from the initial assessment and are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. One example of a common discomfort treated by a physical therapist is male pelvic pain. This condition can be produced by a number of causes including cystitis, prostatitis, or even sexually transmitted infections and causes pain in the lower of your abdomen. A physical therapist can help cure your discomfort by performing a physical examination and working with you to come up with a treatment plan to help ease your discomfort and manage your pain.
#4: Physical Therapy (Often) Drastically Shortens Recovery Processes
One very common benefit of consulting and working with a physical therapist is the ability to work with a professional in your recovery process and reduce the need for opioids. Common clients that physical therapists work with are those that are recovering from an injury, trauma, stroke, or paralysis.
Most people consult a physical therapist because they need the help of a professional to aid them in the recovery and healing process. Physical therapy is a great alternative when you are trying to avoid surgery and the use of pain management via opioids. This physical consultative approach allows you to continue on your road to recovery as you work alongside a professional.
#5: Reduces Aches and Pains
Physical therapists aren't just here to help in the recovery process from a traumatic event. In most cases, customers consult a physical therapist to help them reduce everyday aches and pains and learn how to more efficiently manage their discomforts and practice healthy pain management techniques.
Regardless if you are experiencing stress from work, home, etc or simply just learning to deal with the repercussions of aging. Physical therapists are a great option for men that want to cure their everyday pains before they turn into chronic conditions.
Oftentimes the idea of a physical therapist can spark bad memories of recovery from a college injury or surgery. As physical therapy continues to become increasingly popular and different offices specialize in different areas, physical therapy has many benefits outside of post surgery related rehab.