The Benefits of Physical Therapy

Many people think physical therapy (PT) is only for athletes or those recovering from major surgeries, but it’s so much more than that. Physical therapy is for anyone who dreams of living without pain, moving freely, and returning to the activities that bring them joy. No matter your age or situation, physical therapy offers one-on-one, personalized treatment plans designed specifically to meet your unique goals.

In many cases, physical therapy can reduce or even eliminate the need for pain medications and may help patients avoid surgery altogether. When surgery is necessary, pre- and post-operative physical therapy can significantly enhance and accelerate recovery. In fact, physical therapy has been shown to lower patient treatment costs by 72%.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a specialized rehabilitation service provided by licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants (PTAs). Physical therapists are movement experts who diagnose and treat movement problems, using exercises, therapeutic techniques, assistive devices, and patient education based on the latest research. PTAs are licensed clinicians who work under the supervision of physical therapists to provide care, monitor progress, and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist for preventive, restorative, or pain management purposes. But in Maryland, you don’t need a physician’s referral to get started. Thanks to Direct Access laws, you can schedule an appointment with a licensed physical therapist directly.

Common Conditions Physical Therapy Helps

Physical therapy can help with many conditions. Here are some of the main areas we focus on:

Orthopedic & Sports-Related Conditions

Whether you’re dealing with discomfort caused by an injury or the effects of everyday life, physical therapy can help you heal, treating conditions such as:

• Join pain or stiffness (such as in knees, hips, or shoulders)
• Sports-related injuries like ACL tears and ankle sprains
• Tendon problems, including rotator cuff tears and tendinitis
• Nerve compression issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica

Neurological Conditions & Injuries

Physical therapy supports the recovery and management of neurological challenges, including:

• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson's disease

Our Liberty Clinic serves as the primary location for our outpatient neurological rehabilitation services. Physical therapists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and occupational therapists (OTs) with specialized training in neurological care work together to provide coordinated, comprehensive treatment—all in one convenient location.

Pelvic Health Issues

Many people don’t realize physical therapy can help with a range of pelvic health problems related to bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor muscles, such as:

• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic pain
• Issues arising from pregnancy and childbirth

Our Aspen Ridge outpatient clinic offers specialized pelvic health services in a private, supportive setting, with advanced care tailored to your specific needs.

Geriatric & Age Related Conditions

Physical therapy helps older adults maintain independence and manage common age-related challenges, including:

• Balance issues
• Rheumatoid, osteo- and other forms of arthritis
• Osteoporosis-related weakness
• General loss of strength or mobility resulting from hospitalization, illness, or inactivity.

See how Physical Therapy can help you

Frederick Health Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab offers comprehensive, personalized rehabilitation services at seven outpatient clinics throughout the Frederick area. Our skilled team is committed to providing treatment and care that is specific to your unique needs. For more information, visit our website or contact us at 240-566-3132.