Physical Therapy Can Help Treat and Prevent Diabetes

Physical therapy can play a very important role in helping people both manage their diabetes and prevent many of the complications that arise from this chronic condition. 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that currently affects 34.2 million adults in the United States alone, according to the CDC. In addition to making it difficult for individuals to regulate their blood sugar, diabetes can cause a variety of physical complications that can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. 

If not properly treated, diabetes can lead individuals to experience: 

• Limited mobility in the hands and feet
• Decreased tolerance for physical activity
• Weakness and chronic physical pain
• Increased chance of experiencing heart disease, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and other complications

Physical therapy can help individuals with diabetes on their quest to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. A licensed physical therapist can work with you to create a personalized plan that helps you:

• Improve your mobility and flexibility: A physical therapist can work with you to stretch your muscles and improve your range of motion over time so that you feel more comfortable when engaging in physical activity.
• Help you build strength and endurance: A physical therapist will work with you to help you regain energy and improve your strength over time.
• Treat chronic pain: A physical therapist can address and treat any pain triggers and use a variety of treatments to help you manage your pain.
• Treat and prevent sores: A physical therapist can help you practice proper wound care and advise you on how to prevent sores from developing in the future.

Maintaining an active lifestyle can help you improve your health and manage your diabetes. If you’d like more information about working with a physical therapist to develop an exercise program that is right for you, please contact us.