What Are The Different Types Of Physical Therapy Treatments?

By Author: Igor Stiler
Total Articles: 35
Comment this article

Physical therapy treatment has been found to be effective in treating pain and lack of mobility that result from medical problems, injuries and illnesses. Physical therapy programs can be provided for individuals of all ages. After an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s condition has been made, physical therapists develop a treatment plan that will work best in the case of each patient. The treatment is aimed at controlling pain, restoring function, improving mobility and preventing injury and disability. Conditions that can be treated include back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and knee pain; stroke, sprains, strains and fractures; sports injuries, orthopedic injuries, arthritis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Treatment is provided at physical therapy rehabilitation centers in the US by physical therapists and their assistants. For the treatment to be more effective, physical therapists might consult and work as a team along with other physicians, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and others.

Common Physical Therapy Treatment Modalities

Physical ...
... therapy programs that are provided include:

Massage and Myofascial Release – for massage, gentle pressure is applied to the soft tissues of the body using the hands to reduce pain. Myofascial release is a hands-on technique where gentle but sustained pressure is applied into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions. The treatment helps to reduce pain and bring back motion.

Ice or heat to eliminate muscle spasm and inflammation – heat therapy enhances blood flow and helps to bring nutrients to the muscles and soft tissues. This will promote healing. Ice packs considerably reduce pain and inflammation.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – is provided during the initial stages of the treatment. Small electrical pulses are sent through the skin by means of electrodes placed on the treatment area.

Ultrasound therapy – high-pitched sound waves are employed which generate mild heat that help minimize pain and inflammation.

Traction – helps to reduce muscle spasms, and relieve pressure on nerves

Physical Therapy Exercise Programs to Improve Strength and Co-ordination

Physical therapy exercises can be therapeutic and cardiovascular exercises that are designed to enhance the patient’s mobility, strength, co-ordination and balance. Your physical therapist will plan exercise programs that are right for your condition and lifestyle. Stretching and strengthening exercises, lifting weights, exercises using treadmill and other exercise machines, water aerobics are all part of physical therapy exercises. These bring down the stress on the joints and strengthen muscles. Physical therapy programs ensure tremendous health benefits; usually the physical therapist also recommends exercises the patients can conveniently do on their own at home.

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Centers Provide Effective Treatment

Physical therapy treatment provided at reputable pain management centers is focused on relieving pain, enhancing mobility and thereby helping you return to a normal life. Patients receive customized physical therapy and rehabilitation services. Apart from offering the service of qualified and experienced physical therapists, such centers will have the latest equipment to provide advanced treatment for their patients, ensuring positive results. Physical therapy is offered to patients belonging to all age groups. Usually, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted combining physical therapy, orthopedics, chiropractic, neurology and more to provide effective treatment to patients and restore their overall health.

About Author

HealthQuest is an established physical therapy and rehabilitation center based in Brooklyn, New York City, offering personalized and result-oriented physical therapy and rehabilitation services