Sure, you’re already familiar with PT for back pain and ankle sprains, but what else? Here are a few common things physical therapists treat that you might not know about…and who knows, maybe you (or a friend) could benefit from a trip to your PT!

Headaches

Headaches are commonly caused by a combination of weakness and tightness in the muscles of the neck, often related to poor posture. PT helps strengthen the weak muscles and loosen the tightness, along with addressing postural alignment.

Dizziness/Vertigo

The sensation of “room spinning” is often related to an impairment with the vestibular system, which is largely responsible for the body’s balance and position sense. In some cases, calcium crystals within the inner ear become dislodged, providing incorrect feedback to the brain and creating a mismatch between perceived and actual position sense (AKA vertigo). Physical therapy treatment focuses on repositioning to move the crystals back into place, which can provide fairly immediate relief.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Incontinence, pain with urination, pain with intercourse…physical therapy can address all of these! The pelvic floor muscles sit like a bowl at the bottom of the pelvis, with our organs on top. When the muscles get tight or weak (or both!), they may lose their ability to prevent bladder or bowel leakage, or they may cause pain. Physical therapy treatment typically focuses on low core activation, as well as proper pelvic floor contraction. PSA: NOT EVERYONE SHOULD BE DOING KEGELS!! Lots of times, the thing people need to work on is actually relaxing the pelvic floor rather than contracting. I love helping people with pelvic floor dysfunction because treatment has such a tremendous impact on quality of life, and results are usually noticed fairly quickly. 

Jaw Pain

Pain, popping and clicking in the jaw are often due to tightness in the muscles of mastication (the muscles we use to chew). This can be caused by clenching or grinding the teeth, and is often related to stress. Physical therapy treatment typically includes soft tissue mobilization to the muscles in the mouth, as well as retraining proper tracking of the jaw through opening and closing. Stress management can also play an important role in the resolution of jaw pain.

Mobility Before, During & After Cancer Treatment

This was the topic of my doctoral research, so I am very passionate about spreading knowledge in this area. Cancer is a diagnosis that carries significant weight to each and every one of us. It is something nobody expects or is prepared for. So when faced with this diagnosis, it is overwhelming. Physical therapy is the last thing on anyone’s mind – and this is a PROBLEM. Many people are completely unaware of the benefits of PT throughout treatment, or don’t even know the option for PT exists. Research shows that physical therapy improves quality of life and range of motion throughout breast cancer treatment, as well as several other cancer diagnoses. PT treatment varies based on the type of cancer and treatment course, but often include gentle stretching to maintain or regain mobility, as well as strengthening and scar tissue mobilization. Physical therapy can also help prevent or reduce lymphedema through lymphatic drainage techniques.