What is Physical Therapy for? 

The American Physical Therapy Association states that a physical therapist is a licensed medical professional that specializes in treating and restoring physical mobility, maintaining physical function and promoting physical activity. 

Trained Physical Therapists develop a treatment plan to help clients recover, restore and maintain physical functions. Physical therapy is often used when clients have an injury, pain during physical activities or other health conditions that need treatment. 

Trained physical therapists typically specialize in different areas of physical therapy. Here at Klein Physical Therapy, we specialize in: Pelvic Floor Therapy, Pregnancy and Postpartum Care, and Spine Physical Therapy. Both Katie and Lea utilize trigger point dry needling, myofascial decompression, and other techniques to maximize results for patients. They also have a heavy focus on joint mobilization, soft tissue work, and other myofascial work, such as cupping.

Who needs Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapists treat people of all ages who experience discomfort and/or pain during physical activities. Patients get specialized treatment plans to help recover or deal with pain management. 

Physical therapy can be beneficial to you whether you are battling a chronic condition, a short term injury, or recovering from pregnancy and giving birth (this is one of our top modalities - helping women with pelvic floor dysfunction).

Licensed physical therapists typically treat people who are experiencing abnormal physical function in at least one specific area as a result of an injury, disability, disease, or condition. After restoring physical function to the affected area(s), the physical therapist’s aim is to maintain that physical function, as well as promoting physical activity through different methods, such as at-home exercises the patient can practice by themselves.

Promoting physical activity after the body has healed from the discomfort/pain they experience ensures that the patient will continue to gain strength in the affected area(s), as well as improving their overall mobility. The simple answer to “who needs physical therapy?” is anyone who experiences pain or discomfort on a regular basis as a result of a past trauma/physical injury.

Top Benefits of Physical Therapy?

Reduces Pain 

Exercises in physical therapy can help to treat pain in the muscles and joints for example. These therapies also have been effective at preventing returning pain. 

A reduction in pain could also potentially lead to decreasing or stopping pain medications all together, which is definitely an added benefit.

Recover from an Injury or Pregnancy

Physical therapists constantly see athletes of all skill levels and can design appropriate recovery plans. 

Depending on the pregnancy, some people may need to attend physical therapy postpartum. For example, if a pregnancy causes a lot of physical pain and discomfort or injury that continues into the postpartum period, physical therapy might be necessary.

Prevents Surgery 

Physical therapy can be used as an off ramp for surgery because muscle and joint pain is reduced for clients eliminating the need. 

Oftentimes healthcare professionals prescribe physical therapy before resorting to surgery. 

Depending on the severity of the injury, physical therapy is almost always recommended either in replacement of surgery or as a part of a patient’s recovery plan.

Improves Movement

Physical therapists use stretching and muscle building exercises to help reduce discomfort and improve general muscle mobility.

Often clients’ balance is improved after attending appointments. 

Physical Therapists must determine where a loss of range of motion is coming from.  A lack of movement can come from strength or motor planning (coordination), or from joint or soft tissue restrictions. 

If the loss of motion comes from the joint, joint mobilization is necessary to restore movement. If the loss of motion is from soft tissue, we use soft tissue mobilization (massage), myofascial release, or other tools such as trigger point dry needling or myofascial decompression. When movement in restored, healing and pain relief are possible.

Manage other Health Conditions

Physical Therapy helps a range of health conditions from diabetes,  stroke recovery, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart and lung diseases, constipation, fibromyalgia and much more.

By practicing different methods such as cupping and myofascial decompression, physical therapists can not only improve and heal the body from past trauma or injury, but help manage other health conditions related to the bodily injury.

What to expect in Physical Therapy?

Your first appointment involves an evaluation in which you will be asked to answer questions such as: When did the pain start? And what activities cause this pain? 

TIP: Wear athletic clothes, like gym shorts for knee pain, so that your therapist can see the joint movement. 

After the evaluation and reviewing your medical history, you and your therapist will go over your assigned treatment plan.

Often, you will have to participate in home exercises as part of your program and have regular appointments.

At Klein Physical Therapy, we work very hard to ensure your whole experience is great. “When you arrive at Klein Physical Therapy, you will immediately feel as though you are entering a warm, holistic environment, instead of a doctor's office.” Rather than focusing on the affected area(s) alone, we utilize a “whole body approach” that examines the area(s) where the patient is experiencing pain, and any potential areas that could be contributing to the pain.

How long is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy can range from a week to month long treatment plans. Every person is different and there are a multitude of factors that go into developing a prognosis.

Once you meet with your physical therapist they will help to develop a personalized plan to help you achieve your health goals!  It is good to know that most patients will have at-home exercises they need to practice, as this usually increases progress in terms of mobility and pain management.

About Klein Physical Therapy, P.C. | Denver PT 

Klein PT, 2401 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210.

Lea and Katie are experienced with helping athletes with physical therapy (helping runners is a top focus for us) as well as helping mothers and soon-to-be moms with pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. We are also trained in dry needling, which can be an excellent complement to physical therapy and total wellness.

Get to know us and consider scheduling a 30-Minute Discovery Session (new clients only please!). We look forward to meeting you!

Reviews from Our Physical Therapy Clients at Klein Physical Therapy

“Katie Peters is an exceptional physical therapist! I was nearly hobbled with foot pain, and over the course of seven sessions the difference is remarkable. She does a great job explaining what she is doing and provides detailed descriptions via an app for home care.  I can't recommend her highly enough.” - Jim Teas

“Lea is an incredibly knowledgeable pelvic floor PT. You gain so much information about the source of your pain, and have visible progress after each appointment. Lea has an incredible way of explaining your medical conditions to you and encouraging you with practical ways of overcoming pain and living optimal health! Highly recommend for anyone even thinking of exploring pelvic floor PT. See Lea first!” - Emily Gilbert

RESOURCES AND FURTHER READING ON PHYSICAL THERAPY: 

https://www.burke.org/blog/2015/10/10-reasons-why-physical-therapy-is-beneficial/58

https://www.summitortho.com/2019/12/31/what-happens-in-a-physical-therapy-appointment/

https://gtc-pt.com/do-i-need-physical-therapy-4-ways-physical-therapy-can-be-helpful/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160645

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-from-pt-during-the-first-appointment-2696665

https://www.oleanpt.com/library/4298/WhatIsPhysicalTherapy.html