Insight Comprehensive Therapy – When you’re looking for a professional to help you recover from an injury, start an exercise program, or are interested in finding solutions to alleviate pain, it is important to choose the right person to support you in reaching your goals. Depending on the circumstances, people often gravitate to physical therapy or personal training. Although these two professions have similar qualities, they also have distinct differences. If you have a healthcare need and are considering physical therapy vs personal training, the following is a brief overview of each specialty, including when you should see a physical therapist or personal trainer.
Understanding When to Choose Physical Therapy vs Personal Training
When to See a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are licensed and highly skilled at evaluating and treating a wide range of injuries, disabilities, and health conditions such as back and neck pain, neurological issues, and sports injuries. Physical therapists also help patients build strength, improve their range of motion, and increase flexibility after surgery or a diagnosis. After meeting with patients and understanding their symptoms, a physical therapist will develop a customized treatment plan to help the patient recover and reduce further injury or the need for surgery. Consider physical therapy to:
Increase Strength & Mobility
Physical therapists are experts in movement. They understand the important role physical activity and hands-on care plays in helping people increase their strength and mobility. To improve coordination and stamina, physical therapists will determine what is causing an underlying issue and incorporate a variety of stretching and strengthening exercises to help you recover.
Manage Health Conditions
Although physical therapy is commonly associated with rehabilitation, physical therapists often work alongside primary care physicians and specialists to help patients manage health conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. For many conditions, movement is the best medicine. Physical therapists can help patients relieve pain and learn techniques to manage their symptoms.
Prevent Injuries
It is not uncommon to see a physical therapist after experiencing an injury, but physical therapy is also an effective form of preventative care. Whether you have a physically demanding job or a chronic health condition, physical therapists can help you strengthen your body, improve posture, and identify potential problems before they become serious issues.
Recover from Sports Injuries
Physical therapy plays an important role in helping athletes rebuild strength and movement as they recover from sports injuries. Using exercises, stretches, and specialized techniques, physical therapists are also able to help injured athletes manage pain and prevent recurring complications or even permanent damage during rehabilitation.
Avoid Surgery
Whether you’ve experienced an injury or are dealing with chronic pain, surgery may be avoidable with the aid of physical therapy. Not only is physical therapy non-invasive and has minimal risk, but it is also much more cost-effective and allows you to continue working while managing your symptoms. If surgery is unavoidable, pre-surgical physical therapy can reduce the chance of complications after the procedure and help you recover faster.
When to See a Personal Trainer
Unlike physical therapists, personal trainers are not licensed medical professionals qualified to diagnose an injury or health condition. However, most are certified through organizations such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and are highly skilled in helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. Personal trainers specialize in overall fitness, leading individuals in cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility improvement. They are also an excellent support system, helping people stay motivated to meet their objectives and live happier healthier lives. Consider personal trainers to:
Start an Exercise Plan
When it comes to health and fitness, most people have an idea of what they want to achieve but don’t know how to get started. A personal trainer will work with you to understand your abilities and develop a custom exercise plan that will help you begin your fitness journey. Whether it’s helping you learn your way around the gym or making sure you stick to your program and stay accountable to yourself, a personal trainer is there to help you every step of the way.
Avoid Injury
Personal trainers know a lot about health, fitness, and the human body. With underlying medical conditions and overall health in mind, they will work with you to develop proper form, teach you the right way to use equipment, and show you exercises that will help you avoid injuries and maintain optimal health. They may also offer advice on areas such as diet and lifestyle that will play an important role as you work to reach your goals, injury-free.
Improve Pain and Discomfort
If you’re dealing with an injury or a chronic health condition, personal trainers can help you manage pain and discomfort with exercises tailored to your specific needs. It is important to always communicate with your trainer and discuss any injuries, aches, or pains you may be experiencing. When a personal trainer has a thorough understanding of your body as you work to achieve your goals, they can modify your exercise plan to help you improve your strength and stamina.
Lose Weight
One of the most common reasons to see a personal trainer is to lose weight. Personal trainers are experts in weight loss and can help you develop fitness strategies and permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits. Weight loss takes time and dedication, so it’s important to be committed and set realistic goals to see success. With their knowledge of the human body, fitness, and nutrition, an experienced trainer in weight management can play a key role in jumpstarting your healthier lifestyle goals.
Stay Active Post-Rehabilitation
A personal trainer can help you rebuild confidence and increase strength and stamina after surgery or a physical therapy program. When restarting exercise during the recovery process, guidance from a certified professional trainer in post-rehab can be reassuring, helping to facilitate faster recovery and prevent strenuous activity while you’re healing. The recovery process can also take a toll on mental health. Working with a trainer, engaging in physical activity, and seeing progress goes a long way in nurturing a healthy mindset.
From helping people with their health and wellness goals to improving strength and fitness, physical therapists and personal trainers share many characteristics. However, each has specialized training and certifications that allow them to provide a different approach to managing health issues, mobility, and injury prevention. If you’re unsure whether physical therapy vs. personal training is right for you, our team at Insight Comprehensive Therapy can help you assess your needs and make the best decision. Contact us today at (810) 275-9610 to schedule an appointment.
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