Physical Therapy
Physical therapists utilize a patient’s history and physical examination in diagnosis and treatment, and if necessary, physical therapists will also incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies..
Who should participate in physical therapy?
Most people can benefit from physical therapy, whether their condition varies from a simple ankle sprain to a complex neurological disorder. Using noninvasive methods, physical therapy helps improve total body function while focusing on relieving pain, promoting healing, and restoring function and movement. Therapy also focuses on ergonomics or body mechanic training, fitness, and wellness. Some common reasons to seek physical therapy include:
Neck and back pain
Arthritis in one or multiple joints
Fractures and other orthopedic conditions
Bowel or bladder incontinence
Balance or mobility problems
Chronic fatigue and weakness
Pre- and post-surgical conditioning and strengthening
Cancer recovery
Fitness and wellness education including weight loss and prevention of osteoporosis
Knee, ankle, hand, and wrist problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder tendonitis
Pre- and post-partum programs
Neuro-rehabilitation, such as post-stroke and spinal cord or head injury
Wound care such as diabetic wounds and non-healing traumatic or post-surgical wounds
Common sprains and muscle strains
Work-related injuries such as repetitive motion injuries, slip and fall accidents, and other injuries
Sports related injuries
Motor vehicle accident injuries
What can physical therapy do for me?
Each new patient receives a thorough evaluation and a customized treatment plan is developed. This may include any of the following, as prescribed by the referring physician:
Back school, biofeedback, contrast bath, Cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, functional training, gait training, hand therapy, home exercise program, industrial rehabilitation, joint mobilization, licensed massage therapy, moist heat, neuromuscular education, orthopedic appliances, patient education, phonophoresis/ iontophoresis, post-operative extremity and spinal surgeries, posture and body mechanics, pre-operative extremity and spinal surgeries, pregnancy massage, range of motion, therapeutic exercise/ actives, therapeutic massage, traction, ultrasound, wheelchair evaluation.