Because of the aging population of Kaua‘i and the extent of year-round activities in which people engage, we are lucky to have some very fine physical rehabilitation specialists here.
Physical therapy is usually prescribed after an injury, for those with dehabilitating chronic conditions or sometimes after a surgery or an acute medical condition. The purpose is to restore function, relieve pain and increase range of motion or correct line of motion. Physical therapy offers effective treatments for all types of injuries such as those resulting from surfing or other sports and athletic activities, as well as work-related injuries and vehicle accidents.
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the impact of following through with physical therapy. They go a few times and half-heartedly do their prescribed exercises and just accept their aches, pains and limited movement as “part of growing older” or as “part of the game.”
As a personal trainer who has worked with many talented physical trainers, and also worked with their patients as a followup to therapy, I can tell you that many times you don’t need to live in pain and with limited physical capabilities. But you have to do your part. The exercises that you are given by your therapist are meant to increase the quality of your life. Therapy doesn’t work unless you do your exercises.
Effective treatments are routinely provided for neck pain, back pain, chronic pain syndromes, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, foot and ankle problems, knee problems, shoulder problems and a multitude of postural and structural disorders. Repetitive strain, TMJ (temporalmandibular joint syndrome), post stroke rehab are also issues that respond to physical therapy. Therapists also provide post-surgical rehab for knee, shoulder, hip and spinal surgeries.
Physical therapy commonly includes prescription of or assistance with specific exercises, manual therapy, education and manipulation. They frequently use the application of hot and cold compresses, as well as specific exercise equipment or aqua therapy.
In addition, therapists work to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles or by referral to a certified personal fitness trainer. This assists people in developing, maintaining and restoring maximum movement and functional ability throughout their lifespan. Of course this includes providing services where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be optimally healthy.
Physical therapy has many specialties including sports, wound care, EMG, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopedic and pediatrics. Therapists practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics or private offices, health and wellness clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes and in larger education and research centers, schools, hospices, industrial workplaces or other occupational environments, fitness centers and sports training facilities.
It has always been a bit of a mystery to me why some patients would rather take a pill for pain or disability when they could be focusing on correcting the problem with physical therapy and exercises. Your body is rarely unwell or uncomfortable because you are drug deficient. Many times it is uncomfortable and unwell because it is not moving correctly or being fed well.
Yours in health and wellness, Jane
• Jane Riley, B.A., C.P.T., C.N.A., can be reached at janeriley_cpt@yahoo.ca, 808-212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
