Does Physical Therapy Speed Up Healing?

Physical therapy is an essential part of the healing process for acute injuries. Learn about the benefits of early intervention and how it can help speed up recovery.

Does Physical Therapy Speed Up Healing?

Physical therapy is an essential part of the healing process for acute injuries, helping to reduce pain, promote healing, and improve overall physical health. It can be used to heal injured tissue and restore full mobility on its own, or in conjunction with surgery to speed up recovery. In fact, physical therapy is a key component of regaining hip function after surgery, allowing you to recover more quickly. If you are experiencing hip pain, it may be beneficial to consult with a doctor and consider physical therapy.

Early physical therapy can help you return to a more productive and meaningful life faster. Your doctor or a friend may have suggested physical therapy as a way to alleviate your pain or discomfort. Physical therapy is a safe and effective activity that can aid in the healing process, and can also provide referrals to other medical professionals if needed. Following the therapist's instructions at home is an important part of the recovery process if you want to speed up your recovery after hip surgery.

Studies have shown that patients who received early physical therapy used fewer medical services over the next 18-month period. Physical therapists focus on certain functional issues such as climbing stairs, so that you can return to normal functioning as quickly and safely as possible. To this end, physical therapy may also include massages, as well as cold and heat therapies to help the joint recover more quickly. Studies in Spine, a peer-reviewed medical journal, have reported on the positive effects of physical therapy intervention when received within 2 weeks after the injury compared to delayed intervention (15 to 90 days after the injury).

Physical therapists can also develop a program that helps you heal safely and prevent future injuries when you return to activity. Thanks to direct access to physical therapists, they are increasingly accessible to the general public. Once the decision is made to seek physical therapy, one expects to recover quickly and move again without pain - and this is where physical therapy can play an important role. Based on the therapist's findings, they will design a treatment plan specific to the patient's needs, challenges, and goals.