Chronic Pain, Reduced Mobility, and Other Signs You May Benefit From Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a treatment option for individuals dealing with a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, like chronic pain or mobility problems. Whether a person is recovering from surgery or seeking a holistic way to manage their pain, orthopedic physical therapy has proven highly effective.
Of course, before scheduling an appointment with the nearest physical therapy clinic, many people want to confirm they’re a candidate for this method of treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore what physical therapy is, its core benefits, and the key indicators that it’s time to request a referral to physical therapy.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a healthcare discipline focused on improving a patient’s physical function, movement, and overall well-being. Orthopedic physical therapy is typically conducted by licensed physical therapists who are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat various musculoskeletal conditions that affect mobility, strength, and endurance.
The core benefits of physical therapy include:
- Pain relief: Physical therapy uses exercises and manual therapies that help holistically manage pain and joint discomfort. Individuals with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and similar conditions can benefit from physical therapy for chronic pain.
- Improved mobility: Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and range of motion, making daily activities easier.
- Injury recovery: Orthopedic physical therapy can help rehabilitate injuries, so patients regain strength and function.
- Post-surgery rehabilitation: Physical therapy helps patients recover and regain mobility after surgeries like joint replacements, rotator cuff repairs, and ACL surgeries.
- Prevention of future injuries: Orthopedic physical therapy strengthens muscles, ligaments, and tendons, reducing the risk of future joint injuries.
- Enhanced balance and coordination: Physical therapy improves stability and coordination, helping prevent falls and loss of balance.
Signs It’s Time to Request a Referral to a Physical Therapy Clinic
Some individuals need physical therapy, while others may benefit from alternative treatment methods like athletic training. Consider talking to your doctor about physical therapy if you have these long-term symptoms:
Chronic Joint Pain and Stiffness
Ongoing joint pain and stiffness are significant indicators it’s time to seek professional treatment. Physical therapy for chronic pain helps manage conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis using exercises that strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce inflammation.
Mobility Issues
Struggling with daily activities like walking, bending, or climbing stairs indicate mobility issues. A variety of factors can cause reduced mobility, including aging, injury, or medical conditions like osteoporosis. Physical therapists are mindful of these factors when designing customized programs, helping patients regain their mobility and independence with minimal discomfort.
Injury Recovery
Some injuries don’t fully heal, resulting in joints that aren’t as strong or as flexible as they once were. Orthopedic physical therapy uses targeted exercises to help rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and restore function in the injured joint.
Future Injury Prevention
Physical therapy treatment isn’t always reactive. It can also serve as a preventative measure for those who participate in sports or have a physically demanding job. Orthopedic physical therapy can help prevent future injuries by strengthening muscles, improving balance, and teaching proper movement techniques.
Balance Issues
Nerve damage, inner ear issues, and other musculoskeletal problems can cause balance issues, increasing the risk of trips and falls. Physical therapy helps improve balance through targeted exercises that strengthen the core and leg muscles, enhance coordination, and improve overall stability.
What Patients Can Expect From Physical Therapy
Orthopedic physical therapy is widely regarded as one of the most effective orthopedic treatments due to its range of applications and holistic nature. Here’s how physical therapy assists in addressing the specific needs and goals of patients:
- Customized treatment plans: Physical therapists tailor treatment plans to the patient’s physical condition, goals, and abilities. By targeting the areas that require the most attention, physical therapists help their patients improve on a faster timeline.
- Non-invasive treatment: Physical therapy is a non-invasive alternative to surgery and medication. Patients can avoid surgery-related complications, long recovery times, and the unwanted side effects some medications cause, unless these more intensive treatments become necessary.
- Education and empowerment: Orthopedic physical therapy helps patients understand the musculoskeletal system and how to self-manage it. This knowledge empowers patients to continually improve while reducing the risk of future injuries.
How to Find Physical Therapy For Chronic Pain
If you think physical therapy might be right for you, contact a physical therapy clinic or orthopedic practice in Wichita for a consultation about this type of treatment.
After performing a physical examination and discussing your medical history, your physical therapist can recommend solutions that will help achieve your health and mobility goals.