Many people make New Year’s resolutions, but few fail to achieve them according to multiple surveys, studies, and other research. According to an Inc.com report, the app Strava conducted concluded, based on more than 800 million user-logged activities, that most people gave up on their resolutions by January 19, labeling it “Quitter’s Day.
With achieving fitness goals being one of the most common resolutions, if that’s what you’ve aimed to achieve, you can increase the odds of success by making an appointment to begin physical therapy in Clarks Summit, PA, or anywhere else.
Why?
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It Can Prevent Minor Issues From Becoming Bigger Ones
While physical therapy is something most people think of undergoing following an acute injury or surgery, it can also be very beneficial when pain is starting to slowly creep in over time. It often occurs when one is starting to work toward specific fitness goals due to the repetitive stress that the intensity and duration of the exercise places on the body. What makes it even more complicated is that you can experience limitations at totally different areas of the body from where you’re experiencing pain. For example, if your core isn’t strong, that can cause greater stress that results in pain in your feet and ankles.
Physical therapists can evaluate and treat those types of dysfunctions, identifying the areas that need work, and developing an exercise program to address them. Manual therapy techniques can also be used to support the healing process.
Also see: Hypnotherapy: What Is It, How Does It Work and The Benefits
Professional Guidance
While there are fitness professionals that can help you with your routine, as there are little to no requirements they have to meet, with some certifications only requiring paying a fee and taking an online course, you can’t be sure you’re getting the right advice. A physical therapist must have at least a Bachelor’s degree, and most who practice today have a doctorate. Every physical therapist must have a valid state license that requires them to have passed a national board example, so you’ll know you’re truly getting expert, professional guidance.
Safely Working Around Previous Injuries or Health Conditions
If you’ve had an injury you’ve recovered from at one point in your history that affects your workouts or currently have a condition like arthritis, heart disease, chronic back pain, and so on, a physical therapist can help you design a fitness regimen allowing you to safely work around it. In turn, that can help you reach those fitness goals.
Improving Balance and Flexibility
While being strong is important, balance and flexibility are also key to preventing injuries so you can reach your fitness goals. Treatment programs are aimed at increasing joint and muscle flexibility through various stretching techniques and sometimes heat therapy that can loosen tight muscles. Your PT might also suggest breathing techniques and/or massage to improve flexibility and your ability to relax. As balance typically decreases as one gets older, they can also help you improve your balance, helping you to avoid tripping or falling, while improving your ability to take part in more strenuous activities.
Also read: Fitness Supplement Benefits
Assessment of Overall Fitness
Physical therapists can provide a professional assessment of your overall fitness, including your posture, range of motion, and strength. The PT can then design a customized program specifically for your needs and a baseline for comparing things in the future should you suffer an injury or start experiencing pain.