Orthopedic injuries can range from chronic pain and arthritis to post-surgical rehabilitation, and physical therapy is an effective treatment for a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Physical therapists use hands-on manipulation of soft tissue as well as therapeutic exercise, aquatic therapy, electrical stimulation, modalities such as ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, massage, and more to help patients reduce pain and improve mobility, strength, posture, balance and coordination. In addition to providing relief from pain and improved functioning, physical therapists also provide education to both the patient and their families so that they better understand their condition, its treatment, and how to best manage it in the future.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of movement disorders. The goal of physical therapy is to restore function and reduce pain so that individuals can resume their normal activities. A physical therapist works with a patient to develop an individualized treatment plan based on the specific needs and goals of the patient. These plans typically involve manual manipulation of soft tissue as well as therapeutic exercise (stretching and strengthening exercises) to promote improved mobility, strength, posture, balance, and coordination. Other modalities such as aquatic therapy, electrical stimulation, ice/heat therapies, ultrasound, and massage may also be used in conjunction with manual techniques for best results.
Types of Orthopedic Injuries Treated with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of orthopedic injuries including joint pain, muscle strains and tears, tendonitis, ligament sprains, spinal disc problems, fractures, arthritis, and more. The type of injury and the treatment plan may vary depending on the individual’s needs and goals. For example, someone suffering from arthritis in the knee or hip joints would likely require different exercises than someone who had a fracture in their arm or foot. In addition to treating acute injuries such as those listed above, physical therapists also specialize in post-operative rehabilitation following joint replacement surgeries, spinal fusion procedures, and other orthopedic surgeries. They also specialize in treating chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, low back pain, and neck pain.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Orthopedic Injuries
There are several benefits to physical therapy treatment when it comes to orthopedic injuries or chronic pain conditions. First and foremost, with the guidance of a physical therapist, individuals can learn how to properly perform exercises that can help reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, build strength and stability in weakened areas, decrease joint pain and stiffness, and increase mobility and balance coordination. A physical therapist can also evaluate an individual’s posture to identify any patterns that could be contributing to their pain and provide corrective exercises. Furthermore, physical therapists can provide education on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of future injury or flare-ups.
Preventative Care & Exercise Safety
Physical therapists are also experts in providing preventative care for individuals who may be at risk for developing an orthopedic injury due to their profession or hobbies such as athletes and weekend warriors. A physical therapist will assess an individual’s strength, flexibility, posture alignment, coordination, balance and range of motion before developing a customized program incorporating specific stretches and strengthening exercises tailored to the individual’s needs. This helps ensure that the individual is fully prepared to safely participate in their chosen activity. Additionally, physical therapists can provide tips on proper body mechanics and ergonomics when performing activities such as lifting or sitting for extended periods of time, helping reduce the risk of future injury.
Ultimately, physical therapy can be a great tool for individuals suffering from orthopedic injuries and chronic pain conditions as it focuses on restoring function and reducing pain so that individuals can return to their normal activities. With the guidance of a physical therapist, individuals can learn how to properly perform exercises in order to improve mobility, strength, posture, and balance while reducing inflammation and joint stiffness. A physical therapist will also provide education on proper techniques for activities such as lifting or sitting for long periods of time. Additionally, physical therapy can be used as a preventative measure for individuals such as athletes or weekend warriors who are more prone to developing orthopedic injuries in order to ensure they are safely participating in their chosen activity.
Why Choose the Physical Therapy Center of Erie?
There are many reasons to choose the Physical Therapy Center of Erie for orthopedic injuries. The staff is highly experienced and dedicated to providing the best possible care. They offer a wide range of services, including rehabilitation, physical therapy, and massage therapy. In addition, they have a state-of-the-art facility that is equipped with the latest technology. This allows them to provide the most effective treatment possible. The Physical Therapy Center of Erie is also committed to providing education and support to its patients. They offer classes on injury prevention and exercise, as well as support groups. This ensures that their patients have everything they need to recover from their injuries and prevent future injuries.