As we welcome in 2026, millions are setting New Year’s resolutions focused on health and fitness – being more active, losing weight, improving our balance, or simply moving without pain. But statistics show that about 80% of these resolutions fade by February, often due to injuries, burnout, or unrealistic starts. This year, consider a different approach: makephysical therapy part of your plan! PT isn’t just for recovery; it’s a proactive tool for building strength, preventing setbacks, and achieving lasting results that improve your day-to-day function.
Yes, physical therapy can certainly be utilized for post-surgical care or after significant injury, but can also be hugely beneficial in prolonging or eliminating the need for surgery or reducing the risk of injury altogether!
Gait (walking) and balance training are universally needed for many people to enhance their ability and confidence in walking by improving mechanics by normalizing step length, posture, and weight shift, which leads to smoother, more efficient walking. As part of a cohesive plan of care, it can strengthen key muscles and joints in the hips, knees, ankles, and core that are needed for stable, powerful stepping. It can help reduce fall risk by improving coordination, proprioception, and confidence when walking on different surfaces, and by supporting recovery from various health issues.
Physical therapy can also be seen as a more positive way to prevent – stiffness and soreness” from getting too far along and causing significant pain or functional loss. Your body likes balance in all forms, including around your joints! Movements and appropriate strengthening can help normalize synovial fluid lubrication, improve bone density, and increase tendons’ ability to transmit muscle-generated force (which may relate to the pesky tendonitis). Manual therapy, or hands-on techniques, from your therapist can assist in further improving soft tissue and joint mobility to supplement your process as a pivotal piece of your individualized puzzle!
At Professional Rehabilitation Services, we treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions using the latest evidence-based therapies provided by highly credentialed physical therapists. Professional Rehabilitation Services has TEN convenient locations in Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, Market Common, Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Little River, Longs, and Forestbrook. We offer complimentary 15-minute consultations at all our offices so you can meet your therapist and decide whether therapy is the right choice for you or your loved one!
