Physical therapy can be a great option for people living with injuries or recovering from surgery. Like many medical providers, physical therapists have a wide range of treatment modalities at their disposal to help patients restore mobility and decrease pain.
Here are a few types of treatments physical therapists use.
Exercise
Exercise helps strengthen muscles, and many physical therapists use this type of treatment to help their patients recover from underuse of muscles after injury or surgery. Most physical therapy practices have a variety of exercise equipment and weights in their facilities. Your physical therapist will prescribe a range of exercises to do, depending on the muscle groups that need strengthening. They will also show you how to use proper body mechanics when performing exercise to avoid further injury or pain.
Manual Therapy
It’s helpful to have some hands-on therapy when restoring flexibility and mobility in the muscles. Manual therapy can involve manipulating trigger points or stretching the muscles. Your physical therapist may use different massage techniques to help improve circulation and decrease muscle tension. Physical therapists also use joint mobilization to move your joints in different directions. This helps improve range of motion and decrease pain.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Before you begin your physical therapy exercises, your physical therapist may apply heat to the treatment area. Heat helps relax the muscles and bring more blood flow to help heal the area of injury. Heat is typically applied in a cloth pack that is covered by a towel for about 10-15 minutes. Cold therapy, such as using an ice pack, is typically used for an acute injury or in situations where a joint is swollen. Cold therapy helps decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain in an injured area.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation of the muscles and joints is given through a TENS (transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation) machine. The TENS machine gives light electrical impulses to the treatment area that feel like the muscle is being contracted. Electrical stimulation is not painful. Your physical therapist can control how strong the electrical impulses are depending on your comfort level. The purpose of electrical stimulation is to help your injured muscles relearn how to function properly.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology tape, or K-tape, is a flexible fabric that adheres to your skin and stretches and pulls as you walk and move. Many athletes use K-tape to help with pain associated with overuse of muscles. When applied, K-tape can be kept on for a few days before needing to be reapplied. Kinesiology taping can also help relieve bruising or swelling.
Ultrasound
Your physical therapist may use an ultrasound machine to treat certain musculoskeletal conditions, such as sprains, tendonitis, or bursitis. Ultrasound is a deep heating treatment using high-frequency sounds waves to treat injuries and relieve pain. Your physical therapist will apply a small amount of gel to your skin and move a wand against the gelled area in circular motions. Ultrasound can be used in combination with exercise and manual therapy.
Physical Therapy Near Me In Clinton Township, MI
If you are interested in getting physical therapy to treat a musculoskeletal injury, look no further than Movement Orthopedics. Our team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists use the latest treatment modalities to help you restore function to your muscles and joints.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call us today at (586) 436-3785 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you soon!
