Do you or someone you know in The Bahamas have joint or back pain? Maybe you’ve tried all sorts of Do-It-Yourself techniques at home without much relief. Then finally, you’ve decided to go to a local medical clinic and your local medical doctor has prescribed a long list of medication and given you a referral for a local Physical Therapy. Now what? What is Physical Therapy? Will Physical Therapy really help me? Is Physical Therapy for the very young? Is Physical Therapy for the very old? Is Physical Therapy for Athletes? There may be many lists, thoughts and questions that pop into your head. Will Physical Therapy hurt? Will I like Physical Therapy? And the list goes on. In this article we will help you understand what is Physical Therapy and whether Physical Therapy is it right for you!

Who are Physical Therapists (PTs)?

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): “Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.”

Will Physical Therapy really help me?

Physical Therapy can help you keep more active, learn how to live free from painkillers, how to improve muscle strength, how to recover or prevent surgeries and how to prevent further injuries. But like anything in life, the choice is yours! If you are committed to spending the time and follow through to reach your therapy goals; then it would be more effective.

Is Physical Therapy for the very young or the very old?

Physical Therapy is for anyone who faces challenges or difficulty with movement or function. Physical Therapists work with the very young and the geriatric population in The Bahamas. I think many people in The Bahamas and around the world may only know Physical Therapists to work with Professional athletes but we work with a variety of people and in a variety of settings in The Bahamas; from local hospitals, local clinics, local schools, local nursing homes, local colleges, local rehabilitation facilities and much more. These facilities can be in Nassau, New Providence, Freeport or any of the Family Islands in The Bahamas.

Will my therapy sessions hurt?

We aren’t in the profession to hurt you but here to help you feel better. I think many people in The Bahamas think that of the slogan: “No Pain, No Gain”. However, we would disagree! After your local therapy sessions you should be advised as to what to expect. If you have tight muscles; stretching them may not be the most comfortable thing to do. However; a skilled PT should always advise you of what should feel normal or abnormal so that you are informed at all times. Overall, you should see and feel an improvement with your movement quality and quantity.

Will I like physical therapy?

Let’s put it like this: would you like it if you were more active, less painful, stronger or more independent? If you answered yes to any of those questions; then I would have no doubt you would like what Physical Therapy can help you achieve. At Paramount Rehabilitation and Fitness, Nassau, Bahamas, we have a quote we like to say: “Will your journey with recovery be easy? Nope. Will it be worth it? ABSOLULTELY!

Is physical therapy right for me?

Physical Therapy is right for the person; who has pain or movement difficulties. If you are committed to improving your current mobility levels without the long-term use of painkillers and their side effects; then Physical Therapy may be your best option!

We encourage you to speak with your local medical doctor and ask if you are a good candidate for Physical Therapy treatment.