Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic physical therapy is a type of physical therapy involving the musculoskeletal system and is most commonly an out-patient program. Many patients who have had surgeries use orthopedic physical therapy to get their strength and mobility back to normal. Physical therapy can also help reduce post surgery pain. Elderly people are the most common orthopedic physical therapy patients as many of them have a hard time recovering after falls. They can increase balance, strength and coordination through the use of this type of physical therapy. Other common orthopedic physical therapy patients are athletes who have suffered from sports-related injuries. Patients recovering from knee or hip replacement surgeries may also require orthopedic physical therapy to improve mobility. 

Many orthopedic physical therapy patients are elderly. Elderly or geriatric patients often lose bone mass and muscle as part of aging. Physical therapy can work the areas that have suffered the most amount of loss to build strength. There are many exercises and activities that can build strength. Therapists will be able to show patients the best exercises for their specific needs. 

Physical therapists work most often with patients who have suffered injury and need to regain strength. The most common injury dealt with in orthopedic physical therapy is back pain. Back pain affects arms, legs and the neck as the pain can travel to each of those areas . It can also be felt through pressure and tightness in the chest. Physical therapy has been shown to prevent additional pain and more serious issues. The physical therapy session beings with a consultation and exam where the therapist recommends at home exercises for the patient when they have onset pain. The patient will also be instructed how to stand and sit to avoid continuous back pain. Post surgery patients will need to utilize stretching techniques to strengthen the back. There are a few weight exercises that can ease pain that a therapist will be able to demonstrate and help with. Additionally, the therapist will instruct the patient on treating the pain zone with cold and hot compresses and electrical stimulation. 

Second to back pain, elbow, knee, and shoulder pain can be treated through the use of orthopedic physical therapy. Some patients who suffer from multiple areas of pain can practice combination exercises that work more than one area. If a person experiences pain in their shoulder, elbow or knee while performing basic tasks or lifting objects, physical therapy is highly recommended. Arthritis, tendonitis, and pulled muscles can also be treated. Electrical stimulation, stretching, joint stabilization, and hot and cold compresses are main methods of rehabilitating these areas. You can learn more at our website ww.soflopt.com. Come visit us and let us at our facilities and we can help you with all of your Physical therapy needs: http://www.soflopt.com/