Physical Therapy: A Spring Essential

Why Physical Therapy Matters: Spring is here, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and get active comes with it. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a weekend warrior, or a casual walker, you may benefit from physical therapy to keep your body healthy and pain-free. Physical therapy is wholistic health care that focuses on improving your movement, function, and quality of life. Physical therapists are experts in assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, such as sprains, strains, arthritis, tendonitis, and more. They can also help prevent injuries by teaching proper posture, body mechanics, and exercises.

How Physical Therapy Can Help You: Physical therapy can help you recover faster and avoid complications if you have a musculoskeletal injury or condition. Your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and design a personalized treatment plan that may include manual therapy, exercises, education, and modalities. They will also work with you to set realistic and meaningful goals that match your lifestyle and preferences. Some of the benefits of physical therapy include:

• Reducing pain/inflammation

• Improving range of motion and flexibility

• Enhancing strength/endurance

• Restoring balance/preventing falls

• Improving function and performance for recreational activities

• Boosting confidence in daily activities

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy This Spring: While physical therapy can help you recover from injuries, the best way to stay healthy is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid common springtime injuries while doing yard and garden work:

• Warm up before you start. Do gentle stretches for your hips, legs, and shoulders, and walk around for a few minutes to get your blood flowing.

• Use proper tools and equipment. Choose tools that fit your hand size and strength, and wear gloves, shoes, and protective gear as needed.

• Change positions frequently to avoid muscle overuse. Switch between tasks to use different muscles.

• Lift with care. When lifting heavy or bulky objects, bend your knees and hips, keep your back straight, and hold the load close to your body. Avoid twisting or jerking movements and ask for help if needed.

• Take breaks and stay hydrated. Listen to your body and rest when you feel tired or sore. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid muscle soreness.

Where to Find Us: If you want to learn more about physical therapy or schedule an appointment, we are here to help. You can find us at Intermountain Health Physical Therapy, located at 309 E Legion Ave, or call us at (406) 723-2980. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you achieve your health and wellness goals!