Physical therapists aren't just for people that are injured or have had surgery. Physical therapists can also help healthy people improve their fitness. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider seeing one when it comes to fitness.

1. You Want a Baseline

When you see a physical therapist to improve your fitness, you'll get an assessment of your strength, range of motion, posture and movement patterns. This not only helps your physical therapist design a customized program just for you, it gives them a baseline to compare things to in the future should you start having pain or suffer an injury.

2. You Want Expert Guidance

Sure, other professionals could help with your fitness routine, but the fitness industry is not well regulated. Some certifications just require an online course and paying a fee. There are no licenses or other requirements to use many titles. Becoming a physical therapist requires at least a bachelor's degree and most PTs practicing today have a doctorate. Every PT has passed a national board exam and maintains a state license. That guarantees you that every physical therapist is a verified expert in human movement.

3. You Want to Prevent Injury

Physical therapists don't just work to heal injuries, they are also experts in preventing them. After a thorough assessment, a PT can help you design a program that will not only help you reach your fitness goals, but that can address any issues that increase your risk for injury.

4. You Want Unbiased Advice

A physical therapist's approach to fitness begins with the foundation of making sure you are doing exercizes properly to avoid injury. He or she will take into account underlying medical conditions, focusing on treating underlying injuries and preventing potential problems from developing into injuries while helping you to reach your goals.

5. You Have a History

If you have some kind of history that affects your ability to exercise, a PT is the best person to help you design a fitness regimen. It doesn't matter if it's an old injury from athletics or work, back pain that comes up from time to time, COPD, arthritis or heart disease, a PT can help you safely work around it and meet your fitness goals.

For questions about your physical well-being, fitness or to make an appointment with one of our physical therapists or trainers call Therafit at 978-452-9252.

Posted from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash.