Physical therapists are highly trained health care professionals and experts in human movement who are trained to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal conditions. They are extensively qualified in prescribing and progressing exercise to help people move and feel better. Because everyone can benefit from exercise, physical therapists can help people of all ages through their entire lives.

Physical Therapy for Children
Physical therapists may start treating infants shortly after birth. Common reasons a baby might need physical therapy include torticollis and cerebral palsy. Torticollis is a postural issue caused by tight, spastic neck muscles that cause babies to hold their heads tipped to one side. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes difficulty with movement and coordination.

As children continue to grow, some have trouble reaching their movement milestones, such as sitting up, rolling over, crawling, standing, and walking. Physical therapists use their expertise to help develop movement control skills and coordination to get these children back on track.

Physical Therapy for Adolescents
Sports injuries have become more common in adolescents. Whether an ankle sprain, elbow or shoulder injury, or an ACL tear, a PT can help. Rapid growth during adolescents may also cause issues. Growth plate fractures, Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, and Sever’s disease are all common in adolescence and are related to the adolescent changes of the body.

Physical Therapy for Adults
As adults, many people will have back pain – up to 80% of Americans experience back pain at least once in their adult life. Physical therapy is one of the first and most effective treatments recommended for back pain. Physical therapists treat adults for several issues including weekend warrior type sports injuries, overuse injuries, or from an accident at work or home. Symptoms of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or fibromyalgia may appear in adults which will also benefit from physical therapy.

Physical Therapy for Older Adults
Later in life, people tend to accumulate more health issues that impact their ability to move. Issues such as arthritis, joint replacements, and strokes are conditions that may benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapists also help people stay more active as they age by keeping them moving with exercise programs that help reduce falls.

Movement is a constant in life. As movement experts, physical therapists help people of all ages – physical therapists have the expertise to help people move and feel better throughout the lifespan.

Northern Rehab‘s physical therapists are trained to treat musculoskeletal conditions and work one-on-one with each patient to reach their goals and to meet their expectations. You don’t have to live with pain; if you are interested in beginning physical therapy or would like more information, please contact us at 815.756.8524.