If you sustain a sports injury or struggle with a musculoskeletal condition, your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. Physical therapy is the use of conservative, physical methods to relieve pain and restore physical abilities.
Physical therapy is not a standalone treatment. Typically, doctors recommend it in conjunction with other treatment modalities. It can complement or improve the effectiveness of the different aspects of your rehabilitation program.
Here are common situations that may warrant physical therapy.
If You Sustain An Injury
Physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system. This system covers your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. If you sustain an injury during physical activity, a physical therapist can speed up your recovery.
A physical therapist will craft a customized exercise plan with clear goals and milestones. Exercise might seem like it will make an injury worse. However, controlled movement can promote blood circulation to the injured site and prevent muscles from weakening.
Your physical therapist will walk you through specific exercises and stretches. Some of these you can perform under their supervision, while others you can do at home. They will teach you how to perform these exercises and stretches without aggravating your injury. A typical physical therapy plan may include:
- Gentle stretches
- Strengthening exercises
- Range of motion and flexibility exercises
- Balance retraining and coordination (fall prevention) exercises
Your rehabilitation may span several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury. It’s best to follow your therapy plan precisely. Check in with your healthcare provider regularly so they can make adjustments if needed.
Whether you have a soft tissue injury or a crack in the bone, several injuries and degenerative conditions such as arthritis can benefit from physical therapy.
If You Want To Manage Chronic Conditions
Physical therapy can also help you manage long-lasting conditions like arthritis. Your physical therapist will demonstrate how you can perform everyday movements. These might include mundane things like sitting and standing up without putting pressure on your vulnerable body parts.
They can also craft an exercise program to reduce pain and keep your joints healthy and strong. More importantly, they can teach you how to respond to flare-ups and when to seek medical help.
If You’ve Undergone Surgery
Surgery is the last resort for severe and complex injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. Mild cases usually respond to non-surgical treatments, like rest and pain medications. However, when these options are no longer effective, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive treatments and surgery.
While you’re recovering from an operation, physical therapy can enhance your rehabilitation. Your body needs to adjust to any repairs or replacements that your doctor performed. Physical therapy can help you heal properly and return to your normal activities sooner.
In addition to exercise, your physical therapist has other tools to speed up your recovery. They may perform manual therapy and apply controlled pressure on tense or injured tissues. Deep pressure massage can encourage muscles to relax. Beyond tissue repair, massage also has physiological, neurological, and mental benefits.
If You Want To Prevent Injury Or Re-Injury
While physical therapy is more commonly known as an aftercare method, it can also prevent problems. If you’re an athlete, you may benefit from going to a physical therapist. As experts in the musculoskeletal system, they can spot, assess, and correct problem areas. If needed, they may also work with other specialists to craft a program to improve your physical performance.
Physical Therapy In Rochester Hills, Michigan
If you’re from the greater southeast Michigan area and looking for physical therapy in Rochester Hills, look no further than Ahlgren Spine. Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren can diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Depending on his assessment, Dr. Ahlgren can craft a treatment plan that may include physical therapy to speed up your recovery.
To learn more about our physical therapy services, call us today at (248) 215-8080 or fill out our online appointment request form. In addition to our main office in Rochester Hills, we also have satellite locations in Bad Axe and Royal Oak. Give us a call today and let us help you get back to the life you love!
