Physical therapy is an ideal solution to help improve many different health conditions. It is done to help rehabilitate your body after surgery, it can be implemented to repair tissues and avoid surgery in the first place, and it can be performed to help fix special types of conditions – such as with hand therapy and occupational therapy.
The most frequently performed type is basic physical therapy, which focuses on rehabilitating a certain body part that has suffered some type of injury or has recently been surgically repaired. Physical therapy may also be performed prior to surgery to help the person’s body become strong enough to endure surgery, and so that recovery will be easier after the operation.
A physical therapist is always ready to help with improving your flexibility, help you to return to full functionality with less pain, and help you achieve a greater range of motion in a joint that was injured or in pain. Let’s talk about some of the other key ways in which a physical therapist (PT) can help improve how your body works:
Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury or Stroke
Physical therapists can assist people who have suffered a brain injury of any kind, such as a stroke or even brain surgery. These patients often need to be re-taught how to do basic chores, such as tying their shoes or getting dressed.
While we may assume that these are physical capabilities, the brain must be re-trained in how to work with the muscles which were affected by the brain trauma. Therapists are trained to work with patients who need to re-learn basic lifestyle skills, and they know how to accomplish this within their existing capabilities.
Improving Your Balance and Preventing Falls
When beginning physical therapy, your therapist will screen you for your risk of falling – especially if you are an older patient or have a neurological condition. If you are at risk, the therapist will devise specific exercises that mimic real-life situations in order to show you how to maintain your balance and prevent falling. Your physical therapist may also work on improving your coordination and reducing symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.
Recovering from Joint Replacement Surgery
As we get older, we can develop severe arthritis or osteoporosis and therefore require joint replacement surgery. Physical therapy is imperative in recovering from this major surgery, because you will need to be shown how to properly move your new joint, exercises to be performed at home in order to keep your body strong, and movements to avoid in order to not break or damage the new joint.
Your surgeon will prescribe physical therapy to help you recover from surgery. The surgeon may also prescribe pre-surgery therapy in order to strengthen the related muscles and to get your heart physically ready to endure the trauma of an operation.
Teaching You How to Use Assistive Devices
Physical therapists can show you how to properly use assistive devices such as a cane, crutches, or a walker during your rehabilitation. Using these assistive devices the wrong way can actually cause damage to your joints and make you vulnerable to falling.
Performing Pain-Relief Therapeutic Procedures
A physical therapist may perform transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to help reduce pain. Ice therapy and heat therapy can also help to reduce swelling or pain in the targeted area, and your PT will show you how to do this safely.
Physical Therapist in Greater Cleveland
If you have a musculoskeletal issue and need to see an orthopedist, or if you would like to find out more about how physical therapy may help you, contact Orthopaedic Associates today to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthopedic physician. The doctor will perform a medical evaluation and talk with you about various types of treatments that will solve your problem.
Call our friendly team at (440) 892-1440 or request an appointment online, and let us help you find relief from your pain and get back to your active lifestyle.
