When you think of physical therapy, what do you picture in your head? Many people inherently picture an older individual pursuing physical therapy after a joint replacement procedure or a medical issue like a stroke, and while we certainly help these clients, that’s just a small fraction of our patient base. We help clients who are dealing with a wide variety of issues and unique physical goals, and one thing is for certain – physical therapy is becoming a young person’s game. In today’s blog, we explain why so many younger people are turning to physical therapy to hit their fitness goals.
More Younger People Are Turning To PT
Physical therapy is a wonderful option for any person who is looking to become a healthier version of themselves, and in recent years that has included a growing number of young adults. But why are so many young adults choosing to pursue physical therapy? Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons why younger adults are choosing to connect with a physical therapist.
- Athletic Improvement – We help athletes overcome injuries that are keeping them on the sidelines, but as we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, physical therapy isn’t just for the injured athlete. If you’re looking to shave seconds off your mile, add velocity to your fastball or simply get a leg up on the competition, working with a physical therapist can make all the difference. We can fine tune your mechanics, target underutilized muscles or put you through a sport-specific training regimen that sees you come out the other side a stronger athlete.
- Earlier Joint Replacement – Advances in modern medicine have made it possible for artificial implants to last much longer, so patients are no longer waiting until they are in their 60s or 70s to have their hip or knee replaced. Younger adults are choosing to put an end to their joint pain and reclaim mobility that has been lost due to injury or arthritic degeneration. As the average age of joint replacement continues to skew younger, so will our patient base.
- YOLO – In the words of the younger generation, “YOLO,” which stands for “you only live once.” In other words, life is too short to let things like pain or fear of injury keep you on the sidelines. More young people are gravitating towards physical therapy as a way to get back to doing all the physical activities they love, or to ensure they maintain these physical capabilities. Don’t let physical limitations slow you down, because you only get one body – make sure you take care of it, and one of the best ways to do that is with the help of physical therapy.
- Enhanced Recovery – Finally, one thing that the younger generation seems to be more aware of in the physical fitness process is the importance of a recovery program. It’s not just about lifting heavy weights or running five miles and then doing nothing until your next workout session, you need to take care of your body during this critical recovery stage. Fuel it with the right foods, help it recover with quality sleep, and learn how different PT exercises or stretching techniques can help alleviate lactic acid buildup or muscle tension that could develop after an intense workout. PT can help you bounce back quicker after exercise or athletic activity, and more and more young people are catching on to the importance of developing a proactive recovery program with the help of a PT.
Whether you’re young or old, let us help find a physical therapy routine that is right for you and your individual goals. For more information on how we can help you, or to set up your first appointment with our team, give OrthoRehab Specialists a call today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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