My mother fell and broke her hip. I went on-line and found out that physical therapy can help her get back up and going faster. The doctor says in six months she’ll be just as good without the therapy. Is there an advantage to therapy?

Several studies have shown that physical therapy helps people regain function faster after hip fracture. The advantage is that with improved strength and motion, the person can return to regular daily activities sooner. This improves quality of life and psychologic function.

A post-fracture physical therapy program also helps restore balance and coordination. These skills help prevent future falls that could result in another hip fracture or other injuries.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”