Whether it is a sprain, strain, fracture or more severe orthopedic condition such as Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, ACL Tear etc., physical therapy helps to ensure a faster and healthier recovery for the patient. It is also effective in restoring the joint’s range of motion and strength after a surgical procedure. When combined with orthopedic treatment, physical therapy can be helpful to improve the overall health of an individual. The therapists evaluate the fitness level and specific health problem experienced by the patient to formulate a personalized as well as effective rehabilitation program. Given below are some common physical therapy techniques and the benefits they offer:
General Orthopedics Rehabilitation: This form of physical therapy is aimed at helping patients recover faster from orthopedic injury or surgery. The therapists focus on encouraging active participation of the patients for maximum results of physical therapy.
Sports Injury Prevention: It aims at helping athletes maintain their form for better performance in sports. It also involves strength and resistance training to prevent injuries on field as well as during the practice sessions.
Occupational Therapy: In this, the physical therapists diagnose and treat conditions that prove to be an obstruction in an individual’s daily activities. These may include walking, sitting, running, climbing stairs and other physical tasks.
Functional Capacity Evaluations: The physical therapists perform functional capacity evaluations to determine the patient’s ability to return to work following an injury or surgery. With functional capacity evaluations, the patient can work more productively while minimizing the risk of recurrent injuries.
Hand Therapy: It is beneficial in relieving pain in the hand or upper limbs. The therapy may be recommended for patients with various orthopedic conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Motion Disorder, ligament tears, Tennis Elbow, Rotator Cuff Tear etc. With hand therapy, patients can restore the normal functionality of the upper limb and strengthen the muscles to prevent further injuries.
Custom Splinting: This is also aimed at treating orthopedic conditions affecting the upper extremity joints. With the help of a splint, the therapists restrict the movement of the injured joint to avoid any jerky movement or excessive stress. This helps to prevent further damage to the joint and boost the healing process.