The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Diabetes Patients

There are many benefits of physical therapy for diabetes patients. A therapist can help people with diabetes get their life back. During treatment, patients learn how to participate in safe, effective exercise programs. The goal is improving a patient’s ability to move, perform daily activities, reduce pain, and hopefully lower blood glucose levels. Furthermore, PT treatment can even help people with diabetes heal associated skin problems faster than those without treatment. Here is some information regarding diabetes and the specific program a physical therapist may employ to help patients recover.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce, or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose or sugar to enter cells and provide the necessary energy for daily activities. However, if the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or if the body doesn’t adequately respond to insulin, the result is a build-up of excessive amounts of glucose in a person’s blood. Therefore creating a toxic situation for cells throughout the body. Additionally, because the cells do not access the glucose for energy, they use excessive amounts of fat and become undernourished. If left untreated diabetes will then contribute to a wealth of other health conditions in the body as well.

Causes and Symptoms of Diabetes

Although the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, factors such as poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise play essential roles in developing certain types of diabetes. In addition, some of the symptoms of diabetes include:

Slow-healing sores
High blood pressure
Frequent infections, such as gum or skin infections and vaginal or bladder infections
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Constant or extreme hunger
Fatigue
Sweating
Tingling, burning, or numbness in feet and hands
Blurred vision
Pain in joints or muscles
Cramping in the legs when walking
Pain or walking with a limp
Weakness
Chronic pain

The Effects and Complications of Diabetes

First and foremost, diabetes can affect any person at any age. The disease is known to contribute to other physical problems such as weakness, reduced endurance, obesity, balance issues, all of which may result in a sedentary lifestyle. Other complications include:

Heart disease
Heart attack
Stroke
High blood pressure
Retinopathy or eye disease
Vision problems
Blindness
Kidney disease
Neuropathy (nervous system disease)
Foot and hand pain
Inner-ear nerve damage, which causes balance problems
Peripheral vascular disease
Reduced muscle strength and physical function
Kidney disease
Skin problems, including sores, ulcers, and infections
Cell death, particularly in toes and feet
Amputations

How Physical Therapy Helps

Your physical therapist will evaluate your specific case, thus creating a unique program to address your symptoms. First, treatment starts with a complete examination and assessment of your strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. Next, the therapist will develop a program that includes the elements of motion, strength, flexibility, endurance, plus stability and coordination. The primary goal is addressing pain, increasing mobility, and reducing blood glucose levels. Furthermore, he can develop a protocol that can be followed at home to encourage a dynamic lifestyle and improve professional activities.

Reclaim Your Life

Contact Kinetic Physical Therapy today for your evaluation. There are many benefits of physical therapy for diabetes patients. Allow us to create your customized program addressing your unique needs. Don’t let a diabetes diagnosis stop you from living a healthy active lifestyle. Kinetic PT can help!