Physical therapists help patients heal from a workplace or sports injuries, recover after surgery, and manage chronic pain. If your primary care doctor or another medical professional recommended physical therapy or you think you could benefit from it, you may not know what to expect. Here are three questions to ask to understand your treatment better. 

Common Questions About Physical Therapy

How can I better understand the injury? 

Although your doctor should explain why physical therapy will help you heal, your physical therapist can provide more details on how particular parts of the body will benefit from specific treatments. In addition to your initial consultation, in which you should get an idea of your overall treatment plan, they should explain individual exercises as you go. For example, you may perform band exercises to strengthen back muscles after surgery. They’ll also explain which complementary factors, such as diet, can boost your therapy’s effectiveness. 

Will therapy be painful?

The primary objective of physical therapy is to relieve and prevent pain. If you’re rehabilitating from an injury or surgery, you may experience some discomfort in the initial stages of physical therapy. However, you should not have unbearable pain. Talk to your physical therapist beforehand about your tolerance and comfort levels. They can adjust your treatment so you aren’t doing more than you can handle. They may also ask you to do some exercises or rehabilitative therapies, such as ice and heat application, at home to reduce discomfort.

How many sessions should I schedule per week?

Treatment frequency will depend on your condition, your compliance with the program, and your body. Some people heal more quickly than others, which can depend on factors such as lifestyle and whether you have other health conditions. Your insurance company may also only pay for a certain number of sessions—knowing this ahead of time will help you and your therapist devise a treatment schedule. 

If you need physical therapy in Acadia County, LA, turn to The Road Home Therapy Center. Whether you need assistance with surgery rehabilitation, chronic pain, or an injury, they’ll develop a personalized treatment plan. Since 1978, the practice has helped patients in the Lafayette and Opelousas areas enjoy comfortable, pain-free lives. Call (337) 684-6318 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about what they can do for you.