Physical therapy is a form of medical care to help you ease pain and restore muscular function and mobility. The therapy does not involve drugs and surgery and is an effective treatment for many conditions. Dr. Vinay Chopra from Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine will develop a suitable treatment modality for your needs after a thorough consultation.
Manual physical therapy and exercise
Exercise is controlled stress exerted on the muscle to increase flexibility, mobility, and strength. Your therapist may recommend physical activities to improve mobility or reduce inflammation.
The exercise can be passive, where the practitioner performs the activities as you lay down motionless. Or it may be active, where you repeat movements without your therapist’s assistance.
Your orthopedic professional will guide you on the best activities to improve strength, pain management, and flexibility. Physical therapy can address various issues, from muscle spasms to tissue inflammation.
Treatment modalities may help patients realize their physical therapy goals for:
- Increasing the muscle range of motion
- Alleviating pain and inflammation
- Address edema on affected tissue
- Regain muscle strength after surgery or injury
Other types of physical therapy modalities
Most therapies are tailored for the patient and rely on an initial clinical review. Your therapist will evaluate medical issues, assess vision problems, and discuss symptoms.
The choice of treatment modalities will depend on your condition, personal goals, and therapy preferences. Other physical therapy modalities may include:
Electric stimulation: Electric stimulation involves passing charged particles across the injured part of the body. It is a standard physical therapy modality for reducing pain around inflamed tissues. Your therapist may use an electric charge to contract and expand the muscle. That way, the muscular tissue is conditioned for enhanced flexibility and mobility.
Ultrasound therapy: An ultrasound device may produce waves in continuous or pulsated mode. The waves generate thermal energy around the target site. It stimulates cellular activity and promotes the healing of the injured tissue. The treatment is ideal for addressing muscle spasms.
Traction therapy: Traction stretches the spine manually to reduce pressure on the vertebral discs. The patient lies on a mechanical device that exerts a longitudinal force on the spine. Undue strain on the vertebral disc pushes the soft tissue and compresses surrounding nerves. Therefore, traction alleviates pain by reducing pressure on the spinal column.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: Vestibular disorders are conditions that affect balance, causing dizziness and vertigo. Vestibular rehabilitation involves exercises to enhance balance and mobility. Physical therapy may include eye and head-eye movements for gaze stabilization. The treatment can reduce fall risks for elderly patients.
Cryotherapy/ice therapy: The lower temperature slows the release of inflammatory factors. It limits nerve activity, alleviating pain and reducing muscle spasms. Ice therapy has better outcomes for acute injuries, but the process can negatively impact recovery from chronic wounds.
Your therapist may use a variety of modalities, such as patient education, ice therapy, exercises, and electrical stimulation. Each patient has unique needs and can benefit from a combination of modalities. Therefore, physical therapists do not favor stand-alone treatments because they may limit the outcomes.
Contact Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine to schedule a physical therapy appointment today.