Physical Therapy

Physical therapists provide a method of investigating and solving your condition’s problems that impair your ability move and function and impacts your quality of life. Physical therapy professionals start their diagnosis with a thorough evaluation. This evaluation may include:

• Testing muscle strength and the range of motion of your joints
• Palpation of soft tissues (manual inspection of skin, joints and other tissue)
• Assessment of pain and neurological issues
• Evaluation of your daily activities and how they are affected by your injury

After the evaluation is completed, the therapist will look at all the data and provide you and your doctor with a recommended plan of care. You are a key part of setting goals for your treatment because the success of treatment lies largely with you. Once the plan has been agreed upon, treatment begins.

Treatment in physical therapy consists of three main types

1. Modalities

These treatments are passively provided to the patient to work on pain, tightness, swelling and other symptoms. Examples include hot packs, electrical stimulation and ultrasound. These treatments alone are only marginally effective in treating an injury and are most successful used with more active procedures.

2. Procedures

Procedures are active treatments that require your participation or a therapist’s manual skills to promote healing and improved mobility. Examples include exercise programs, joint mobilization and gait training.

3. Education

Education and training of you and your family are among the most significant interventions a physical therapist can offer. Often your body mechanics or posture is contributing to an injury or pain. Working with your physical therapist to correct and change that positioning or habit can eliminate many problems.