Reconnecting With Your Body: Physical Therapy Options for Veterans
- Paige Rhine
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Veterans injuries sustained during active duty, combined with the mental and emotional toll of the military, can leave Veterans struggling with mobility, pain and overall well-being. Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping in the recovery of Veterans and is one of the most effective ways to help Veterans navigate these challenges. Throughout this blog, we will explore the benefits of physical therapy, the various therapy options and how these services can help Veterans regain strength, rebuild their lives and reconnect with their bodies.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Improved Mobility: Physical therapy can give Veterans the ability to move freely with less discomfort, enabling Veterans to return to everyday activities.
Pain Management: Focusing on techniques like manual therapy, exercises, and applying cold and hot therapy devices. Physical therapists can help reduce pain without the need for long-term medication.
Improved Mental Health and Mental Well-being: Through rehabilitation, Veterans regain their confidence in their abilities, reducing anxiety and stress that come with having restrictions. The improvement in mobility and reduction of pain can cause a positive shift in emotional health.
Tailored Treatment: Each Veterans journey is personal and unique. Physical therapists ensure every therapy session is aimed at maximizing recovery based on individual goals and progress.
Physical Therapy Options for Veterans
Traditional Therapy: Traditional therapy is typically the first approach for Veterans dealing with injuries or pain. This kind of therapy focuses on exercises that strengthen muscles. Improve joint function and enhance overall mobility.
Aquatic Therapy: Aquatic therapy is beneficial for Veterans with joint pain, limited mobility and conditions like arthritis. This low-impact exercise can help with rehabilitation after surgeries or injuries.
Adaptive Therapy Programs: For Veterans with specific needs such as amputations or severe mobility impairments, adaptive therapy programs are designed to help them learn to navigate daily activities using prosthetics, mobile devices or other adaptive techniques.
Neurological Rehabilitation: Veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or spinal cord injuries benefit from this type of rehabilitation. This therapy focuses on improving cognitive function, coordination and physical mobility.
In-Home Physical Therapy: In-home physical therapy is a great option for Veterans who have difficulty traveling to a clinic or medical center due to mobility issues.
How Can Veterans Access Physical Therapy?
The VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) is a government agency that provides a range of healthcare services for Veterans, including physical therapy.
Through the VA healthcare system:
The VA Healthcare System provides veterans with access to comprehensive medical care, including physical therapy. Veterans who are eligible for VA healthcare can consult with their primary care provider, who may refer them to a physical therapist for specific rehabilitation needs. VA medical centers and outpatient clinics across the country offer physical therapy services designed to help veterans recover from injuries, surgeries, and conditions caused by their military service. With a large network of facilities, veterans can typically find a nearby center offering the care they need.
In-home care and Telehealth Options:
For veterans who are unable to travel due to mobility issues or live in remote areas, in-home physical therapy and telehealth services offer flexible alternatives. With in-home care, physical therapists can visit veterans at their residence to provide personalized treatment.
Specialized programs for Veterans
Amputee Rehabilitation
Spinal cord injury therapy
Brain injury recovery
How Boots To Health Can Support You
1. Personal Training Certificate Program
We believe in creating opportunities for veterans to build new careers and improve their lives. The Personal Training Certificate Program is designed for veterans passionate about fitness and health who want to help others reach their wellness goals. By offering free personal training certification, veterans can pursue careers in fitness and become part of the solution to improving the health of others.
2. BTH Trust
The BTH Trust is a philanthropic initiative that helps veterans who have gone through our programs and face financial challenges. This fund provides limited financial assistance to those in need, ensuring that veterans who have successfully completed our programs have the resources to continue their healing journey. Applications for the trust are reviewed monthly by our board, and assistance is granted on a case-by-case basis.
3. Wellness Programs
Our Wellness Programs are designed to support veterans in their physical, mental, and emotional recovery. Veterans can access free personal training, nutrition coaching, and life coaching, all at no cost. These programs are tailored to each individual, ensuring that veterans receive the personalized care they need to achieve their health goals. If you’re a veteran looking to transform your life, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of these amazing resources.
4. Raising Awareness and Advocacy
Boots to Health Foundation is committed to raising awareness about the health challenges faced by veterans. We strive to educate the community about the unique struggles veterans face, particularly in terms of mental health, and advocate for greater understanding and support.
In addition, we’re working to break the stigma surrounding mental health by promoting open discussions and encouraging acceptance. Our advocacy efforts extend to policy, where we actively work to promote changes that support the physical, mental, and spiritual health of veterans. One of our current advocacy initiatives is to establish a state-funded "Open Gym" for Pennsylvania veterans, which would allow veterans access to free gym facilities to support their physical health.
5. Support Services
We understand that each veteran has unique needs, and we aim to provide comprehensive support. Our Support Services include spiritual counseling, life coaching, and access to various resources that help veterans address their emotional and psychological challenges. We offer a safe space where veterans can talk about their struggles, find guidance, and reconnect with their sense of purpose.
Physical therapy plays an essential role in the recovery and well-being of veterans, offering a comprehensive approach to restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving mental health. The physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of injuries sustained during active duty can be overwhelming, but physical therapy provides a path to regain strength, independence, and confidence.
From traditional therapy to specialized programs like aquatic therapy and neurological rehabilitation, there are various options available to address the unique challenges veterans face. Whether through the VA system, home-based care, or innovative services like telehealth, veterans have access to a wide range of physical therapy services to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
References:
Movement is medicine | VA Tennessee Valley health care | Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 18). Veterans Affairs. https://www.va.gov/tennessee-valley-health- care/stories/movement-is-medicine/
Physical therapy | Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/Rehab/PhysicalTherapy/
VA.gov | Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/PT/
Allen, K. D., Sheets, B., Bongiorni, D., Choate, A., Coffman, C. J., Hoenig, H., Huffman, K., Mahanna, E. P., Oddone, E. Z., Van Houtven, C., Wang, V., Woolson, S., & Hastings, S. N. (2020). Implementation of a group physical therapy program for Veterans with knee osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-3079-x
PACT PT: Improving Veteran Access to Same-Day Physical Therapy. (2024, November 12). APTA. https://www.apta.org/article/2024/11/12/va-pact-pt-program-perspective
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