Ask people that question and the most common answer, by far, will include the word “injury” or “accident.” Perhaps the most common misconception about physical therapy is that it is meant solely for recovery from such an event.

At ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio in Peachtree City, the numbers do not support that assertion. Patients coming back from an injury or an accident make up about half of the clientele, according to Dr. Karyn Staples, PT, PhD, NCPT.

So what are some of the other reasons?

Vestibular dysfunction. This is defined as a disturbance in the body’s balance system. In other words, dizziness.

“People who get dizzy walking around – especially as people age, they start to move differently. So they start to be more fearful of movement, and they start to have balance difficulties,” said Staples.

Dr. Bethany Nelson at ProHealth works with patients who deal with these kinds of issues. An initial evaluation helps tailor a program that is designed specifically for a particular patient’s needs and goals.

Limb loss. Nelson also works with patients in this category, another reason for physical therapy that might not be considered a traditional one. She works with individuals who have had upper and lower extremity limb loss, according to Staples. Her expertise in this area has led to her being tapped to speak at an amputee coalition meeting in Atlanta later this year.

Pelvic health. These can include urinary incontinence, pain during intercourse, or a pelvic organ prolapse that occurs when one or more of those organs changes position. Staples works with these patients at ProHealth, along with Ashley Mitchell, PTA. They put together individual plans to address those issues for each patient.

Lingering pain. Sometimes a problem that was initiated several years ago can still cause pain, making the body feel as though it is still injured. Physical therapists have many tools at their disposal to assess and deal with chronic persistent pain and improve their quality of life.

Jaw pain. This is a condition that can build up over time. It can start when a patient bites something and the jaw locks up, or someone grinds his or her teeth at night or has a great deal of tension in that part of the face. This is a specialty for which Dr. Rebecca O’Farrell treats patients at ProHealth.

Running dysfunction. It can stem from poor form on the road or just improper footwear, and it can lead to frustration as well as long-term physical problems. Dr. Jessalyn Ford at ProHealth is a runner, and she uses her personal experience as well as her professional expertise to help other athletes stay healthy and reach their full potential.

A quick glance at this short list shows why, contrary to popular belief, about 25 percent of ProHealth’s patients are there due to injury and another 25 percent show up because of a recent accident. The remainder of clients are looking for help for other reasons such as those listed above.

Adding Pilates to transition from physical therapy. A unique feature of ProHealth’s offerings is the ability to add PT-led Pilates as part of the rehab process and for ongoing wellness. Pilates has been shown to be effective in a number of ways as an adjunct to physical therapy, such as in improving balance and posture.

“Our environment is highly accredited because we are a medical facility,” said Staples. “In our classes and in the way that we teach, our PT-based professionals are looking at safety as well as the ability of how somebody is lining up and moving their body, that they’re doing that in a proper and healthy way. Pilates helps you do everything better.”

ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio is located at 1777 Georgian Park in Peachtree City. For more information or to book an appointment, phone 770-487-1931 or visit prohealthga.com.