When it comes to physical therapy, many of our clients are unaware of the differences. It seems as though they might be the same, but they’re quite different. Both can be imperative for healing and overcoming specific types of injuries and other health issues, but understanding the differences is important. This can help individuals make more informed decisions regarding their path to healing. Someone who is injured or recovering from surgery may seek the help of a Chiropractor or Physical Therapist such as the Chiropractor Gaithersburg MD locals trust. A physician is highly recommended, but this will depend entirely on the nature of their injury.
Physical Therapy
Whether someone is injured in an accident or has undergone surgery, physical therapy is commonly used to assist in the recovery process. The primary purpose of physical therapy is to help a patient to regain the mobility they enjoyed before their injury occurred. Physical therapy entails a series of exercises that are specifically chosen to offset the body’s inflexibility. The end goal is to minimize the need for additional surgeries and to maximize their healing. The success of physical therapy varies by individual and is dependant in large part on the patient’s willingness to do the necessary exercises, and the seriousness of their injury.
Occupational Therapy
People of all ages, including newborns and seniors, can benefit from occupational therapy. This type of therapy considers the activities or job performed by an injured or ill person with the goal of enabling them to do it successfully. When a person is limited in their ability to complete one or more tasks, an occupational therapist may help them change that task or their environment to make it possible. An occupational therapist often works with patients who have emotional or mental challenges that can affect their ability to perform their tasks. Some common examples of such tasks include:
- Dressing
- Eating
- Working at their job typing, lifting boxes, etc.
- School activities
If someone suffers a serious injury from a car accident, they may require physical therapy to help them regain their mobility, and occupational therapy to help them return to their job.
Legal Guidance
The victim of a car accident may be able to recover their medical costs from the driver who caused the accident. This is critical for most victims because of the expenses involved in medical care. Therapy and other treatments can be short term remedies or last for years. To offset the expense of recovery, it’s important to receive maximum compensation. A personal injury lawyer can review a car accident victim’s case to see if they may be eligible for damage recovery. In most cases, a lawsuit is avoidable because an experienced lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement. If you or someone you love was hurt in an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer without delay to see if they can be of assistance.
A special thanks to our partners at Advanced Wellness for their expertise in Physical Therapy Treatment.