Physical therapy is a critical part of rehabilitation, whether recovering from an injury or after having surgery. A physical therapist (PT) is a medical professional who is highly trained and experienced in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of various physical conditions.
You may not think of a physical therapist first when you are in pain, but it just may be who you need to see to achieve a level of functioning that allows you to live a better life. For best results, seek a physical therapist who is associated with an orthopedic practice.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help Me?
If any of the following describes you or something you’re dealing with, it may be a good time to see a physical therapist:
Back Pain
Regardless of the cause of your back pain, most cases do respond well to physical therapy that includes stretching, strengthening, and conditioning exercises. Physical therapists are also trained in the use of passive physical therapy modalities such as massage, temperature therapy, ultrasound, and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy.
Active physical therapy is when the client is performing some or all of the exercise or movement on their own. Passive physical therapy is when a therapist performs a therapeutic treatment on the client, and the client is able to relax while it is being performed on them.
Headaches, Migraines, and Neck Pain
A physical therapist can gently stretch the muscles in the cervical (neck) region, and this can help to alleviate chronic neck aches. A link has been found between headaches, migraines, and tight neck muscles, and the problem may originate from poor posture or your sleeping position.
Joint Pain and Stiffness
Physical therapists can teach you exercises that will help you maintain optimum joint strength and flexibility. This is why clients who have arthritis often have physical therapy as a major part of their pain management program, as the benefits include better circulation, better range-of-motion, and possibly the ability to avoid the need for reparative surgery.
Injuries
Every effective injury-rehabilitation program includes physical therapy. If you suffered a broken bone or a tear in a muscle, ligament, or tendon, you will likely have the area immobilized for a period of time; however, the lack of activity can cause muscle atrophy, weakness, and stiffness. Your PT will show you various physical therapy exercises to strengthen and reinvigorate the area where the injury occurred.
Repetitive-motion injuries can also develop while working, engaging in a hobby, or performing a sport. These injuries can become chronic issues over time, so a physical therapist can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises that can help you heal while also preventing the injury from happening again.
Strengthening for a Sport
When you are preparing to participate in a sport or a physical activity, a physical therapist can be your right-hand person while you train. The therapist knows which muscles and areas of the body need special preparation for the particular activity you’re interested in, and they’ll show you proper techniques for warm-up, cool-down, and performance. This therapy includes both stretching and strengthening exercises.
Physical Therapist in Clinton Township, MI
From therapeutic exercises to manual therapy treatment, our physical therapists at Movement Orthopedics can guide you through safe exercises that will help to enhance your recovery and strengthen your body. Our highly skilled and experienced physical therapists work closely with orthopedic doctors to bring you the most effective treatment for your condition.
If you have any questions about our physical therapy or orthopedic services, or to schedule an appointment, call Movement Orthopedics today at (586) 436-3785 or fill out our appointment request form online now. If you’ve sustained a non-life-threatening musculoskeletal injury, we welcome you to our orthopedic urgent care clinic – no need to make an appointment, simply walk in. We look forward to serving you.
