Physical therapy restores and strengthens muscles and joint movements. There are many therapy types, categorized by age groups, ailments, and areas of the body. Physical therapists create thorough regimens personalized to each patient to best achieve their mobility goals.
Physical therapists encourage different physical therapy exercises and stretches that build muscle mass, improve balance, and boost flexibility. In addition to enhancing physical bodily attributes, physical therapy can affect your immune system. Learn how it can improve your body’s ability to protect itself.
Exercise and the Immune System
Exercise positively impacts the immune system, boosts energy levels, and decreases the chances of developing heart disease. Though inactivity is not an exclusive cause of getting sick, incorporating movement into your day can decrease your vulnerability to certain ailments.
- Physical activity can help flush bacteria out of the airways, decreasing your susceptibility to a cold, flu, or cough.
- Exercise increases your heart rate, which in turn increases blood circulation. This produces greater circulation of white blood cells, the body’s protectant against abnormal cells. More rapid circulation could cause white blood cells to detect illnesses earlier.
- Exercise reduces stress hormone release, decreasing stress levels that contribute to your risk of getting sick.
As mentioned, physical therapists create plans specific to each patient’s needs. Because exercise is such a huge factor in these routines, patients that commit to their workouts and stretches are likely to experience an improved immune system. The relationship between exercise and physical therapy suggests that physical therapy affects the immune system.
Auto-Immune Diseases and Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from auto-immune diseases. You may be familiar with the following auto-immune diseases:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Type 1 diabetes
People diagnosed with these diseases often take medication or undergo procedures to help cope with the symptoms. Physical therapy is just another resource that these people can use to lessen the effects. For example, stiffness due to arthritis or muscle weakness due to MS can become manageable with physical therapy and proper medication.
