I cried when I graduated college — because I had to say goodbye to my physical therapist. He had brought me back from many running injuries and patiently talked me down when I wanted to start training again before I was ready.slot machine real money

Finding a good P.T. can feel like magic, and I was lucky to learn that early on. Many people don’t turn to physical therapy until after they have been injured or had surgery. But it can help with much more.

“We’re sort of the swiss army knife of orthopedic health,” said Joe Uhan, a physical therapist in Eugene, Ore. “We can push on bones like chiropractors can, but we can massage tissue like massage therapists can and we can exercise like a personal trainer can.”

Here’s how to tell if you need a physical therapist and how to make the most of your sessions.

Physical therapists aren’t just for sports injuries or post-surgical care — they can also help you develop a routine to prevent injury or improve your mobility.

Preventative physical therapy, sometimes called pre-hab, is generally focused on strengthening parts of your body that could contribute to future injury or discomfort. Knee pain, for example, could stem from issues in the ankles or hips, Dr. Uhan said, which could be prevented with targeted exercises. Some athletes or people following consistent training schedules incorporate preventative physical therapy into their regular fitness routines to stay ahead of injuries before they happen. (Your doctor may also recommend pre-hab physical therapy ahead of some surgical procedures.)

For chronic injuries, like tendinitis, a physical therapist can help identify the cause of your recurring issues and create a plan to improve your strength or mobility. If you have a nagging injury or any pain or discomfort that affects your daily activities, it can be a good first step to seek out a physical therapist, said Maureen Soliman, a physical therapist at the University of California, San Francisco.

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