Preventive physical therapy, or PT, helps people improve their resilience and mobility before injuries or declines in physical ability might occur. Preventive PT is sometimes referred to as “prehabilitation”, because it helps get your body ready for challenges ahead.
When Preventive PT is Useful
Working on your body to improve its movement, minimize pain, or improve strength is almost always good. Preventive PT is beneficial in a range of circumstances, including:
As we age: Most Americans experience some decline in strength and mobility as we age. Preventive PT can reduce the effects of aging on our body’s strength and mobility so we can remain active for longer.
Before surgery: To strengthen or improve your body in preparation for a major surgery or medical event. For example, training your muscles before surgery will help you recover faster.
Before a sporting event: There are some overlaps between training and physical therapy. Preventive PT can reduce the risk of injury in sports and improve your body’s overall resilience.
During pregnancy: Exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor and abdomen can help reduce the chance of injury and improve your chances of recovery post-pregnancy.
What Activities Are Used in Preventive PT?
Different activities you might use in a preventive PT program include:
• Breathing exercises: Exercises to improve your breathing can be very helpful in decreasing chronic pain, improving stress and can even decrease the risk of complications under anesthetic.
• Cardiovascular exercise: Exercises that improve cardiovascular fitness focus on keeping your heart strong. A strong heart makes it easier to maintain your health as you age and handle the stresses of injury or surgery.
• Functional movements: Exercises that make doing everyday activities easier. They often mimic work tasks, sports, or post-surgery exercises so you can continue to do all the things you love to do.
• Mobility exercises: Movements and stretches that increase your flexibility to help improve and maintain mobility.
• Strength training: Exercises to build or strengthen muscles, particularly around an area you’ll be operated on or on an area you feel is already declining.
Real-World Benefits of Preventive PT
Preventive PT is useful for everyone. You don’t need to do strenuous manual labor, play a sport, or suffer from injury to see real-world improvements to your lifestyle as a result of these treatments.
This form of physical therapy can fix your posture, reduce your fatigue, and improve your overall resilience to stresses or issues in your daily life. It can also help prepare your body and reduce pain if an injury occurs.
Begin Your Preventive PT Journey Today
IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery is trusted by thousands of Illinois residents who rely on us to help with a range of concerns and issues.
With eight convenient locations in the greater Chicago area and accessible hours, it’s easy to get the support you need at IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery.
On your first PT visit we’ll explore your reasons for seeking treatment and get an idea of the baseline we’re working with. This is your chance to identify the areas of focus you want the most help with and decide the best course of action going forward.
Ready to learn how preventive PT can help you? Request an appointment to begin your preventive PT program with our experienced team today.
