WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Welcome to Base Camp Physical Therapy - Valley Center’s local experts in health and wellness! We provide services to the community to help reduce pain and injury, improve quality of life and function, enable you to do what you love, and help people learn more about health and wellness.

The most common questions we get are: “what is physical therapy?” or “what do physical therapists do?” 

According to California law, physical therapy is “the art and science of physical or corrective rehabilitative or physical or corrective treatment of any bodily or mental condition of any person... The practice of physical therapy includes the promotion and maintenance of physical fitness to enhance the bodily movement related health and wellness of individuals” (PTBC.gov)

In a nutshell, physical therapists are doctors who specialize in movement and function. Our work includes in-depth physical assessments, evidence based diagnosis and treatment, hands on care, patient education, and prescribed exercise. It can include manual therapy, tool based manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, balance and vestibular training, stretching, strengthening, sport and activity specific exercises, and more. Physical therapy is a highly effective, safe, non-invasive method of treating injuries and conditions. In fact, research shows that physical therapy can reduce reliance on pain medications and can help individuals avoid surgeries such as spine fusions, meniscus repairs, and rotator cuff repairs. 

Physical Therapy is not limited to pain management. It is also a valuable tool for people with heart and lung conditions, diabetes, obesity, auto-immune disorders, neurological conditions, and post-hospitalization or post-surgical recovery. Physical therapy interventions can be in a hospital setting, acute care setting, skilled nursing facility, gym/fitness setting, private practice, school settings, and many others. 

A large focus of physical therapy is active care. Our goal at Base Camp is to empower each individual to take control of their health and to take strides toward long term wellness. 

If you have more questions about what physical therapy is, or if it is right for you, contact us today!