In recent times, the number of individuals encountering musculoskeletal issues has increased significantly.
One of the significant reasons for this is the decline in the degree of physical activity of individuals.
If you are experiencing skeletal problems, visiting an orthopedic physical therapist (PT) is the way to go. Apart from helping with minor musculoskeletal issues, they help people get up on their feet after any major surgery after an injury, illness, or accident. You can even see a specialist like a Sydney podiatrist, if there an issue specific to your foot or ankle.
When you visit an orthopedic PT for the therapy, they work on your musculoskeletal system and integrate other systems like the cardiovascular system and the neurological system.
We have mentioned some helpful information about the benefits you can get by undergoing orthopedic physical therapy.
Have a look.
What is Orthopedic Physical Therapy?
Orthopedic physical therapy includes treatment of your musculoskeletal system, which involves your:
- Bones.
- Joints.
- Muscles.
- Connective tissue.
- Tendons and ligaments.
When you visit the therapist for orthopedic physical therapy, they will evaluate your condition and then diagnose your issues as follows:
- They will determine your movement diagnosis.
- Formulate a treatment plan.
- Administer your therapeutic care.
- Educate you on ways in which you can manage your issues.
You can receive orthopedic physical therapy at hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and even home physical therapy. You can also visit the orthopedic specialty clinic in Spokane and benefit from expertise in orthopedic physical therapy.
How Can An Orthopedic Physical Therapist Help You?
An orthopedic for physical therapy can treat almost any skeletal condition that is affecting your movement. If you are looking for orthopedic specialists of Seattle, opaortho may help you in that case. Let’s see the specific areas where they can help:
Conditions of the musculoskeletal system
The musculoskeletal conditions that an orthopedic PT can treat are mentioned below.
- Arthritis.
- Cancer.
- Bursitis.
- Joint pain.
- Knee pain.
- Frozen shoulder.
- Limited/decreased range of motion.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- Low back/neck pain.
- Spinal stenosis.
- Scoliosis.
Some orthopedic PTs have specialized in treating a specific set of musculoskeletal issues.
A sports physical therapist helps athletes prevent sports-related injuries and also helps them recover from other fatalities outside of sports.
A physical therapist who works with older adults helps the patients improve their balance issues to prevent falls.
Rehabilitation After Surgery
After undergoing surgery, you should consider undergoing orthopedic physical therapy. It will help decrease the pain, improve the range of motion, prevent excessive buildup of scar tissue, and help normalize your walking.
It will also help you in regaining your strength, balance, and mobility.
It would be best if you underwent orthopedic physical therapy after the following surgery:
- Hip replacement.
- Knee replacement.
- Rotator cuff tear.
- Heart or cancer surgery.
Rehabilitation following an Acute Injury
An injury that is caused due to single trauma is known as an acute injury. It includes ankle sprain, herniated disc, or meniscus tear.
You will have some of the following benefits by the orthopedic physical therapist:
- Manage the swelling and pain.
- Regaining range of motion.
- Rebuilding strength.
- Learn preventatively measured to avoid a flare-up.
Rehabilitation Following a Chronic Injury
The damage that occurs to the body over time is known as a chronic injury. It is generally caused due to repetitive injuries to the bones, joints, and tendons.
Chronic injuries include:
- Tennis elbow.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Shin splints.
An orthopedic PT will analyze your movement patterns to determine the source of your injury.
They will help you in managing your pain and swelling. They will also educate you on the safety measures you should take to prevent future injuries.
Treatments Used by Orthopedic PT
An orthopedic PT uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, devices, and exercises.
The treatment modalities may be:
- Active modalities (movements practiced/performed by you).
- Passive modalities (Treatment performed by the therapist).
- Some of the treatment modalities include:
- Exercise therapy.
- E-stim (TENS or NMES).
- Traction.
- Hydrotherapy.
- Soft tissue manipulation.
- Dry needling.
- Joint mobilization.
- Laser or light therapy.
Final Word
Undergoing orthopedic therapy for any musculoskeletal issues is an excellent non-invasive treatment. So yes! An orthopedic physical therapist can absolutely help you with your pain issues.
What do you think about the tips mentioned in this article? Let us know in the comments!
