There are many types of physical therapy (PT) available to help you recover, heal, and thrive. Orthopedic physical therapy is a popular option that can be life-changing. With the help of a skilled therapist, you can get back on track after an accident, injury, or surgery. This type of therapy will specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect parts of the musculoskeletal system. Let's learn more about orthopedic physical therapy.

What Is Orthopedic Physical Therapy?

This type of physical therapy service targets conditions affecting the neuromusculoskeletal system, according to Forbes. This type of therapy will integrate all other body systems, primarily the neurological and cardiovascular, to treat the injury or condition.

This therapy involves the care of the entire musculoskeletal system including bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and connective tissue. A PT specializing in orthopedics is able to evaluate your condition and create a diagnosis. Your care under the specialist will include conducting appropriate movement diagnosis, creating a treatment plan, administering therapeutic care, and also educating you about how to manage your current condition so that the injury or condition doesn't become worse.

Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Physical Therapy

This type of treatment can be used to treat just about any condition that affects the movement of your body. This can include arthritis, bursitis, shoulder pain, knee pain, joint pain, back pain, limited mobility, and diseases that affect mobility such as Parkinson's Disease.

Within the general practice of orthopedic physical therapy there are also specializations. Sports PT helps athletes to move more safely during training, practice, and competition. This type of treatment can help to prevent injuries and recover from injuries. Pediatric PT would help children who are dealing with illnesses, conditions, or injuries that impede their ability to move freely. Geriatric PT will assist older individuals who face unique challenges when it comes to mobility, bone, and joint health. There are also specialists that can focus on pregnant patients, cancer patients, and more.

PT Services and Surgery Rehab

Following major surgeries, it's often necessary to undergo a time in rehabilitative services. This time is used to help an individual recover outside of the hospital setting. Orthopedic physical therapy can be used during this time to reduce pain, increase mobility, improve range of motion, and cut down on the build-up of scar tissue. Other areas that are improved include balance, strength, and coordination.

Common types of surgery that may require this treatment include hip replacement, knee replacement, arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, heart surgery, and cancer surgeries. If a patient requires rehab following a stroke, physical therapy can also be a part of that recovery plan as well.

PT Services and Injury Rehab

Following injuries, rehab services including PT, may also be used. Acute injuries often require the use of physical therapy to speed recovery and healing. It's also sometimes necessary to ensure proper healing of bones or ligaments. Properly applied PT will help to manage pain and swelling. It can also help to regain range of motion, rebuild strength, and teach how to move properly again. Learning how to move following an injury is crucial. You may need to learn how to move in new ways that don't cause the injury to flare up or cause more pain.

PT Services and Chronic Injury

A chronic injury differs from an acute injury, in that it's not a result of one single trauma. A chronic injury is rather the result of ongoing movements or behaviors that damage your tendons, joints, or bones. Chronic injuries can be treated with orthopedic physical therapy including shin splints, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and more. Getting the proper treatment for a chronic injury is critical as these types of injuries can grow significantly worse if not treated in a timely manner. You need professional therapy and education on how to avoid making the injury worse in the future. It's often necessary to retrain yourself on how to move the right way. A physical therapist can help with this.

These are just a few things that you should know about orthopedic physical therapy. If you'd like to learn more, or you're looking for services in your area, please contact us today. Our team of professionals at Onofray Physical Therapy is here to assist you.