If you sustained an orthopedic injury or will be undergoing orthopedic surgery, chances are, your doctor or surgeon will recommend physical therapy to you get back on your feet. In fact, most effective orthopedic treatment plans include physical therapy.
Physical therapy is a conservative yet effective way to strengthen the body when it’s most vulnerable – after surgery or injury. Physical therapy is also great for chronic pain and orthopedic conditions, and for many patients, it can delay the need for surgery.
Physical therapy’s strength lies in its versatility in terms of the conditions it can help treat. There are a variety of components to physical therapy that you can implement into your sessions based on your needs. These components include manual therapy techniques, progressive exercises, modalities of pain relief, customized and adjustable treatment plans, and at-home sessions to supplement physical therapist-led sessions.
Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy
Among the many conditions physical therapy can treat, here are the most common ones:
- Foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament sprains and strains
- Fracture and joint dislocation recovery
- Ligament and tendon tears and impingements
- All types of knee injuries, such as ligament tears
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Overuse injuries
- Symptom management for conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Weight management
- Mobility and flexibility issues
Physical therapy is also great for post-surgery rehabilitation after:
- Joint replacement surgery (partial and full replacements)
- Surgery after injury from a vehicular or sports accident
- Spinal surgery
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapy is a juggernaut when it comes to reducing pain and strengthening the body. Physical therapy techniques such as joint and soft tissue mobilization are very effective in relieving pain and increasing strength. Combined with other pain-reducing methods, such as electrical stimulation, physical therapy offers long term results.
Physical therapy can also improve your mobility and flexibility. Patients gain a wider range of motion and greater mobility after physical therapy. This is achieved through exercises and stretches that incrementally strengthen your body while increasing the range of motion and stretching tendons and ligaments.
Physical therapy is also great for improving balance. A lot of people who have orthopedic conditions, have had an injury, or recently had surgery find it difficult to stand or walk independently. Physical therapy can help you improve your balance, so you do not risk falling and getting injured.
No matter what your age, condition, disease, or injury, physical therapy can help. It’s highly customizable nature is also why it can be used to treat such a broad range of musculoskeletal issues.
Physical Therapy in Johnson City and Kingsport, Tennessee
The licensed physical therapists at Watauga Orthopedics have the training, skills, and experience necessary to effectively reduce pain and help you regain your function and mobility. We specialize in personalized, one-on-one care and make sure you get the quality care and attention you deserve.
Our goal is to make sure you completely recover from your condition, injury, or surgery so you can get back to living the life you enjoy. If you have any questions about our physical therapy services or would like to make an appointment, please call (423) 282-9011 or schedule an appointment now.
