Let’s face it. Most guys don't think twice about powering through discomfort or waiting until pain gets unbearable before seeking help. But here's the reality: 65% of men delay doctor visits, even when experiencing symptoms or injuries (Texas Health). Plus, only 28% meet physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities (CDC). That means many men aren't moving enough, and when problems arise from lack of movement or overdoing it, they put off getting care that could help.
If this sounds familiar, it's time to rethink how you care for yourself. A physical therapist can help you move better, stay stronger, and recover faster, whether you're dealing with pain or an injury, building a foundation for long-term health, or navigating problems related to medical conditions that have impacted your function or mobility (such as heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or cancer).
Physical therapists are experts in movement, strength, and rehabilitation. But you don't have to be an athlete or be injured to benefit from seeing one — though they certainly can also help if you are. Physical therapists help men of all ages stay active, prevent injuries, and bounce back from health challenges.
5 Ways a Physical Therapist Can Help You Stay "In the Game"
- Increase strength, flexibility, and mobility. Whether you're recovering from an injury or simply want to move better, a physical therapist can work with you to help you improve flexibility, strength, and overall physical function. If exercise hasn't been a priority, working with a physical therapist can help you build strength safely while improving overall fitness. A physical therapist can also design a program to enhance your performance in your chosen sport.
- Manage and prevent pain. Nagging back, knee, or shoulder pain doesn't have to be your reality. A physical therapist can pinpoint contributing factors, relieve pain, and design a personalized program to help you recover faster and prevent long-term issues.
- Prevent chronic disease. Staying active reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes while boosting mood, brain function, bone health, and strength. A physical therapist can design a plan that matches your fitness and longevity goals at any age or activity level.
- Recover faster from illness, injury, or surgery. From work-related injuries to concussion and musculoskeletal injuries to recovery from surgery or a cardiac event, a physical therapist can help you regain movement safely and efficiently.
- Prevent future injuries. A physical therapist can tailor a program to keep you moving pain-free, whether you're just beginning to focus on your fitness, a weekend warrior, or a competitive athlete. Their assessment and recommendations can help you fine-tune your body and develop an exercise regimen to achieve your best performance while minimizing injury risk.
Find the Right Physical Therapist
Working with a physical therapist who understands your goals can be a game changer. All physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, patient education, and personalized treatment. They are qualified through higher- or doctoral-level education to treat various symptoms and conditions. Many physical therapists focus on specific areas of practice.
You can find physical therapists who work with athletes, children, or older adults. Others focus on helping people with cardiovascular and pulmonary health, musculoskeletal conditions, cancer-related problems, or neurological conditions. There are also physical therapists who specialize in pelvic health and treat problems like incontinence following conditions that have impacted the prostate or bladder. Learn more about physical therapy specialty areas.
Invest in Your Health
A physical therapist can help you tackle health problems if they arise. However, you don't have to wait until things go wrong to seek an assessment and advice from a physical therapist to improve your movement. Just like seeking advice from a financial advisor can give you a plan for growing your nest egg, seeing a physical therapist is one of the smartest ways to protect your health and invest in "future you."
The best part? You don't need a doctor's referral to see one. The American Physical Therapy Association's Find a PT tool can help you locate a physical therapist near you.
