Questions & Answers about Physical Therapy
Doctors everywhere, including board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, often prescribe physical therapy to their patients. But how do you know if physical therapy really will help you? Well, that’s a very smart question – and what better time to answer it than National Physical Therapy Month?
Why go to physical therapy?
If Dr. Wilhelm recommends that you go to physical therapy for your feet or ankles, you can be sure he isn’t just doing it on a whim. He’s prescribing a tried-and-true medical modality that’s proven to improve patient outcomes – in other words, if he thinks you’ll benefit from physical therapy, then you probably will.
Who needs physical therapy?
Physical therapy can help our patients who:
- suffer from painful, chronic conditions, such as plantar fasciitis
- have injured their foot or ankle in a car accident
- have sprained their ankle once and are at high risk of future sprains
- have undergone foot or ankle surgery
- need to improve their strength and balance to prevent falling
- have spent weeks in a cast or boot and need to strengthen their muscles
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists are trained movement experts. They understand the human body moves not just because of one specific part, but from a sequence of movements. All the parts must work together smoothly. Physical therapists treat the whole sequence of movement problems in people of all ages and abilities. In addition, they help you manage pain and may be able to help you delay foot surgery or avoid it altogether.
What can you expect when you go to physical therapy?
Your physical therapist will assess your foot or ankle’s strength, flexibility, and function. He or she will give you exercises that target the trouble spots, including stretching, resistance training, lifting weights, walking on a treadmill, or working on balance.
Where should you go for physical therapy?
Dr. Wilhelm and our staff will work with you to match you up with a qualified therapist in Fairfax County. Your physical therapist will become part of the team that already includes you and Dr. Wilhelm. Together, we can work toward eliminating your pain and getting you back on your feet. For more information about foot and ankle health and how physical therapy can benefit you, call Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville at (703) 996-3000. Or, contact us online for an appointment.
