What You Need to Know
About Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Imagine you had no muscles, bones, joints, tendons, or
ligaments. Physically, there wouldn’t be much
you could do.
Now imagine what life is like when your muscles, bones,
joints, tendons, and ligaments are not functioning fully.
It hurts to move. You can’t
do what you enjoy. Your life could be defined by:
Orthopedic
physical therapy is a treatment that focuses on improving the function of your orthopedic
system—those very important muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and
ligaments.
What conditions can benefit from orthopedic
PT?
You could benefit from orthopedic physical therapy if you
have been injured or are facing the prospect of surgery. You might have had a
fall, a sports-related injury, or an injury from repetitive use of a joint.
Treatment is focused on helping you to build up your
strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Orthopedic PT is meant to get you
back on your feet and enjoying life again.
Orthopedic physical therapy may be prescribed for recovery
from:
KNEE CONDITIONS
HIP CONDITIONS
FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS
ARM, WRIST AND HAND CONDITIONS
SHOULDER CONDITIONS
SPINE CONDITIONS
OTHER CONDITIONS
If you have an illness or injury to any part of your body that
is affecting your ability to move or conduct daily activities, you may benefit
from physical therapy. Keep reading to learn more or click the link below to
speak to a representative from BAYADA about how we can help you.
What
is orthopedic surgery?
Surgery involving your joints often requires physical
therapy afterwards to regain full mobility. Hip and knee replacement operations
are some of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S. The Mayo Clinic
estimates that Americans receive over 1 million hip and knee replacements each
year.
Your orthopedic surgeon will have specific recommendations
for you after surgery. An orthopedic physical therapist can help you with your
post-operative exercises and make sure that you do not re-injure yourself while
you are recovering.
How can an orthopedic physical
therapist help?
Exercise is a key factor in your recovery. It can feel like
work, but it’s work with a purpose. Your
physical therapist will guide you expertly
through the healing process by giving your exercises your best effort.
A therapist who specializes in muscular and skeletal
conditions will be best prepared to help you. They will know how far to
encourage you to go to get good results without causing you unnecessary
discomfort or reinjury.
There are five types of tools that may be used during your
sessions.
You may see good results from a variety of therapies such as
heat, ice, water, laser, electrical stimulation, dry needling, and ultrasound.
These are used to improve your blood flow and flexibility, reduce swelling,
increase relaxation, and most importantly, reduce your pain level.
Devices such as canes, walkers, crutches, slings, and braces
may be either used during a session or recommended for you to use at home.
Your therapist will start your treatment with a thorough evaluation
that looks at your symptoms, how you move, and how this affects your daily
life. Throughout your treatment period, you will be assessed regularly for
outcomes such as your level of pain, range of motion, strength, balance, and
posture.
A key part of retraining your body to work better is to get
the muscles and joints moving. Your therapist may help by using soft tissue
massage to relieve stiffness and promote blood flow. You also may receive
hands-on manual therapy, where your joints and muscles are moved for you by the
therapist.
The first four tools are things that the physical therapist will
do for you to help your movement improve. But the most important part of
therapy is your own activity. You will be involved in a variety of
rehabilitation exercises that are designed to help you fully recover.
You will do exercises that are meant to improve and increase
your:
Exercise is often the hardest part of your treatment, but it
is where you need to put in the most effort. Your PT will be able to expertly
guide you through the process.
Three tips to get the best results from
physical therapy
Physical therapy is just one part of a complete health care
plan. There are three key tips that can help you get the best results from your
sessions.
Make sure your chosen therapist is trained to treat your
specific condition. Or you can ask your doctor to refer you to a health care
provider such as PRO PT
.Get involved
You will see the best results if you take responsibility for
your own recovery. Make sure that you ask any questions you have before you get
started. Let your therapist know what is happening for you and if an exercise
is helping or hurting you. Health professionals are not mind readers. Be honest
about what works and what you are doing. Asking questions and giving complete
answers will help you get better results.
Set a goal for what you want to accomplish and keep that
goal in mind. Your PT has the specialized medical expertise to know when to
push you to keep going even when it is hard. Give it your all when you are in
session with your therapist, and follow the exercises
you are given to do at home.
Your therapist will work beside you to get you back to your
normal life. But you are the most important part of the process. Work when you
need to work. Remember to rest when you need to rest.
If you put your best effort into partnering with your health
care team, you can more quickly and safely regain function at your best
possible level of health and mobility.
If you or a loved one has recently experienced pain,
surgery, injury, or disability, ask your doctor for a referral to PRO PT.
Call
our Kingwood office (304) 329-3739 or out Masontown office (304) 864-0111 with
any questions or to set up an appointment.