Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) or physiotherapy is a treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery. Physical therapy is known to assist people of all ages who have medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their natural ability to move and function. By following through with physical therapy, individuals can return to their prior level of functioning and encourage activities that can help prevent further injury and improve overall health and well being.

Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques such as joint and soft tissue mobilization can help relieve pain and restore muscle and joint function to reduce pain. In addition to this, treatments such as ultrasound, taping, or electrical stimulation can diminish pain. The following therapies can also prevent pain from returning. Pain-free movement is crucial to your quality of life, your ability to earn a living, and your independence.

No matter what your age, if you are having trouble standing or walking, physical therapy can improve your mobility. By incorporating stretches and strengthening exercises into your daily routine will help restore your ability to move. If necessary, our physical therapists can also correctly fit individuals with a cane, crutches, or other assistive devices to improve their overall mobility. 

In some situations, one may be dosed appropriately with prescription opioids as an appropriate part of medical treatment. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging healthcare providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of an alternative like physical therapy for long-term pain. The risks of opioid use include depression, overdose, and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. If possible, ask if you can try out physical therapy before taking opioids to treat pain.

Another benefit of physical therapy is that it helps manage age-related issues. As we age, we may develop arthritis or osteoporosis or need a joint replacement. Physical therapists are experts in helping patients recover from joint replacement and manage arthritic or osteoporotic conditions to improve their overall quality of life.

Three systems in your body work together to provide stability and balance; this includes your vision, your vestibular system — your inner ear, and your proprioceptive system — the nerves in your feet and legs. Physical therapy helps improve your balance by determining which of these systems is causing the loss of coordination; once discovered, your physical therapist will develop a customized set of exercises. Examples of balance exercises include tandem walking with a heel-to-toe pattern and a single-leg stance. Besides having you perform specific stretches or activities, your physical therapist may also use specialized tools to help improve your balance.