What is Orthopedic Physical Therapy?
Orthopedic physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. It encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints. The primary goal is to restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.
Benefits of Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Pain Management: With manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises, patients can alleviate pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal injuries.
Improved Mobility: Patients struggling with mobility due to stiffness or pain can benefit greatly from individualized stretching and strengthening exercises.
Post-operative Recovery: For those who undergo orthopedic surgeries, this type of therapy aids in speeding up the recovery process.
Injury Prevention: By identifying weak areas in one’s posture or movement patterns, therapists can recommend exercises to strengthen these areas and prevent future injuries.
Improved Balance and Coordination: This is particularly important for elderly patients or those who have sustained injuries that affect their balance.
Common Conditions Treated
- Arthritis
- Back and neck pain
- Muscle strains
- Ligament sprains
- Fractures
- Post-operative conditions
- Rotator cuff tears and tendinitis
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Sciatica
- Osteoporosis
Questions ? You're Covered
Orthopedic physical therapy focuses specifically on the musculoskeletal system – bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. While other forms of PT may address neurological, cardiopulmonary, or systemic conditions, orthopedic PT is dedicated to ailments within the structural framework of the body.
This largely depends on where you live and your insurance policy. In many places, you can see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral, but some insurance policies might require a physician’s recommendation for coverage.
The duration of therapy varies depending on the nature and severity of the injury or condition. After an initial evaluation, your physical therapist will provide an estimated timeline and set goals for your recovery. Regular re-assessments will be done to monitor progress.