PUT THE PILLS AWAY! Four Reasons to Utilize Physical Therapy to Lessen Pain, Increase Health & Improve Quality of Life

The human body is a wondrous machine. Yet, accidents, illness or even wear and tear can make it difficult and painful to do everyday activities. While over-the-counter and prescription medicines can provide some relief, they don’t improve the situation and can have serious side-effects. So, when getting from Point A to Point B becomes a real pain, what is a person to do?

According to Elkins Park resident, Vadim Brodsky, PT, a licensed physical therapist and the owner of American Dutch Physical Therapy, physical therapy can help when it hurts to move around. “Physical therapist have an unparalleled understanding of how the body moves.” Brodsky said. “So, we can work with patients to create an individualized program that fits their needs.” In fact, he lists four reasons why people should consult a physical therapist and they are:

1. 1.     Difficulty in performing activities of daily living

If getting in and out of a car, bed or chair or getting dressed and doing self-hygiene, becomes painful, then it is time to see a physical therapist. While aging can mean that it takes more time to do some activities, it is not normal to feel pain while doing them.

1. 2.     Difficulty with walking

If walking a block or less is painful or hard to do, working with a physical therapist can help improve mobility. “Life is movement,” said Brodsky. “When movement hurts, it’s time for physical therapy.”

1. 3.     Loss of strength, balance or endurance
   If an illness or a chronic health condition, like arthritis, has decreased a person’s endurance and strength or led to problems maintaining balance, physical therapy can help increase strength, endurance and improve balance, as well.

1. 4.     Pain when engaging in activities like sports or gardening

While people can’t expect to play basketball or garden like they did in their 20’s when they reach their 60’s, if it too painful to dribble a ball or pull out weeds, that too is a sign that physical therapy can help. “Physical therapists feel that the most effective treatments are exercise and manual therapy, such as joint mobilization, soft tissue (muscles, skin, nerve tissue) mobilization and massage.” Brodsky said. “We not only look at problem areas, but evaluate the entire body in relation to how each part works with each other.”

When something hurts, it is a sign that something isn’t right.  So, a person doesn’t have to live with pain.  An individualized program developed by a physical therapist can help a person regain mobility, strength and most importantly maintain good health. “You have a choice,” Brodsky says. “And the choice can be to simply want to feel better every day for the rest of your life. Physical therapy can help you to both feel better and live your best life.”

About Vadim Brodsky

Brodsky is a licensed physical therapist who trained at the European School of Physiotherapy at the Hogelschool van Eindhoven in the Netherlands. He has been a solo practitioner in the Elkins Park area for over 15 years and utilizes traditional physical therapy, as well as Feldenkrais, Alexander and Bowen techniques, tai-chi, yoga, Pilates, and hypnosis to help patients increase mobility, decrease pain and improve overall health. His practice is AMERICAN DUTCH PHYSICAL THERAPY where he treats orthopedic disorders and sports injuries, post-surgical conditions, neurological disorders, balance and vesticular rehab conditions, movement disorders and chronic conditions. To learn more Brodsky’s practice and how physical therapy can help improve health and well being, call 215-635-5575.

Note:  This is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice.  Please consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health issue that you are experiencing.