We often associate physical therapy with traumatic events, or perhaps athletic injuries. We assume that something significant must occur in order for a person to undergo physical therapy. While that is often the case, physical therapy can always be helpful in treating older injuries, less severe injuries, and chronic health problems. There are actually a lot of benefits to physical therapy that many remain unaware of. With that being said, let's look into physical therapy a bit further, and the amazing benefits that you might not yet know about.

1. Pain Relief

Many people undergo physical therapy not to necessarily "fix" an acute problem, but to treat chronic pain or pain associated with an accident or illness. While pain medications are options as well, 41% of people turned to physical therapy as an alternative pain management option (per The Good Body). It's remarkable to see how physical therapy can treat pain without the use of drugs.

2. Improved Mobility

A huge reason why people choose physical therapy is to improve their overall mobility. If you struggle to walk or move around in general, physical therapy could potentially make that easier for you, regardless of your age. This is because physical therapy focuses on strengthening the body, especially in relation to gait and balance.

3. Injury Prevention

If you work in a strenuous field, or are perhaps an athlete, you may want to undergo physical therapy preventatively. While we think of physical therapy as a treatment, it can help strengthen the body before an injury occurs and keep it from happening in the first place. Physical therapists can also give advice about how to use proper techniques in order to avoid injuries like stress fractures and ligament tears.

4. Manage Certain Health Conditions

While physical therapy won't help manage all health conditions, it has been associated with the management of vascular issues and diabetes. Physical therapists can give patients advice about how best to exercise and can assist them in creating programs that work with their conditions.

5. Postpartum Recovery

Women can actually use physical therapy to help recover after giving birth. Birth is traumatic, and physical therapists can aid women in recovering and strengthening their bodies following vaginal birth or a cesarean section.

Ask your doctor about physical therapy. It could change your life for the better!