Physical therapy (PT) provides a wide range of services for a large part of the general population. While many individuals associate athletes as those who need physical therapy the most, there are plenty of reasons to apply this method of treatment for everyone. From work injuries to mobility issues, the situations where physical therapy helps individuals is significant. However, there are certain body parts which are more susceptible in athletics and everyday life.

There are approximately 300 million therapy sessions administered each year across the United States. While the majority of recipients are older, impacted body parts remain the same for all people. Due to their movement patterns and susceptibility to injury, these particular joints and other parts of the body are more commonly associated with physical therapy services to enhance mobility, relieve pain, or return to a prior metric of performance.

Knee

From athletes to seniors, knees have a tendency to become injured or cause mobility issues as age increases. Both of these impact an individual’s capability to remain mobile and can also reduce their ability to bear weight. By administering physical therapy to the affected joint, sessions can help boost recovery.

Ankle

Lower joints also twist and turn in ways which may cause need for physical therapy. The ankle is a vulnerable joint for injury both inside and outside the sports world. From slipping off a sidewalk to falling on a wet floor, the ankle is another body part which requires an enormous amount of support in the PT world.

Shoulder

Lifting heavy objects, carrying items, and any repetitive movement completed over and over again may all lead to an upper body PT focus. The shoulder is a complex joint surrounded by tendons, muscle, and bones which all have the capacity to dissipate over time. Once any below average performance is noticed, immediate action should be implemented for support.

Head and Neck

The head is another body part which is subject to injury from many different events. Concussions have recently been the subject of much attention and physical therapy may assist in dealing with post-injury symptoms. In addition, the neck is an especially complex joint which has potential to cause significant pain when not functioning properly.

Elbow

Similar to the knee, elbow injuries are the upper body equivalent and another mobile joint which wears down as time passes. In addition, there are numerous actions individuals complete everyday which could also cause damage to this part of the body. 

If you have suffered an injury or know someone who has chronic pain, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!