How Orthopedic Physical Therapy Reduces Pain and Speeds Recovery
Physical therapy may reduce pain through improving strength, mobility, flexibility, movement pattern correction, and retraining the nervous system. These issues may result from injury or trauma, degenerative conditions, as well as inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, infections, and lifestyle factors. This is especially useful for post injury or post-surgery affecting millions of people every year.
WHAT IS ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Orthopedic physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy focused on treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Orthopedic physical therapy encompasses post-surgical rehabilitation, sports related rehabilitation, joint specific dysfunctions, trauma, and Chronic pain. Physical therapists use evidence-based treatment techniques to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve strength. Orthopedic PT is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option for both acute injuries and chronic pain conditions.
Treatments may include:
- Corrective Exercise: which involves strengthening, stretching, ergonomics, and stability training.
- Aquatic therapy: To allow for increased exercise tolerance in an offloaded buoyant environment.
- Manual Therapy: Such as joint mobilization, and manual traction.
- Therapeutic Modalities: Heat therapy, cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation such as (TENS), mechanical traction, and Iontophoresis.
Addressing the root cause of dysfunction, orthopedic physical therapy when combined with a customized home exercise program, helps promote long-term recovery and injury prevention.
WHAT TYPE OF CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED?
Orthopedic physical therapy treatment can help manage a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including joint related conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, contractures, spinal conditions like radiculopathy, Sciatica, degenerative disc disease, soft tissue injuries Traumatic and Post injury conditions which include Fractures, dislocations, instabilities, Rotator cuff tears, ACL/Meniscus tears, and ankle/foot injuries.
Many patients search online for “physical therapy for back pain,” “knee pain treatment without surgery,” or “orthopedic physical therapy near me.” In many cases, conservative physical therapy treatment can reduce or eliminate the need for injections or surgery. Physical therapy often helps save money in the long term due to lower rates of opioid use, and may eliminate the cost of imaging, injections, and surgery.
IS ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Orthopedic physical therapy is an effective first-line treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Early intervention:
• Accelerates recovery
• Reduces pain and chronic issues
• Lowers Healthcare costs
• Improves long term outcomes.
If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, or difficulty returning to activity, a physical therapy evaluation can help determine the best course of treatment.
Schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists to see how orthopedic physical therapy treatment can help you reduce pain, improve mobility and strength, and get you back to doing what you love.
