What is physical therapy and how it can benefit you
Physical therapy is a type of care that involves different types of exercises and treatments that aim to ease pain, help you function, improve or rebuild your strength, improve your range of motion, and rehabilitate your ability to perform activities of daily life.
When you are struggling with neck or back pain, it may be tempting to stay in bed or on the couch all day. However, getting up and moving, and staying active will be more beneficial to you. If you are experiencing low back pain for more than six weeks, or frequent low back pain, physical therapy may be a good option.
You may also benefit from physical therapy if you have or suffer from any of the following:
– Traumatic injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and joint dislocations
– Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
– Tendon tears
– Pain from chronic conditions
– Osteoporosis
– Arthritis
– Had an orthopaedic surgery
Different types of treatment during physical therapy sessions:
Our physical therapists at Ozark Orthopaedics Spine Center will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan. We will choose among certain types of treatments (called modalities) to target and rehabilitate the painful areas in your neck or back.
The following are examples of such modalities:
– Therapeutic exercises
– These pertain to different passive and active exercises that help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Ice therapy
This uses an ice pack or ice massage to reduce muscle spasms, swelling, or inflammation
Electrotherapeutics
This uses gentle electrical stimulation to promote healing and improve nerve or muscle function.
Physical therapy at home
Continuous therapy at home will be beneficial for your optimal recovery. Our physical therapists at Ozark Orthopaedics will teach you back exercises you can do at home, paying close attention to your body mechanics to make sure you’re performing them correctly.
Our focus at Ozark Orthopaedics Spine Center is providing excellent orthopaedic care, combined with well-experienced physical therapists, so you’ll be on your way to healing, rehabilitation, and pain relief.
