What Treatments Do Physical Therapists Provide?

With the advances in medical technology, increasing the use of outpatient surgeries as well as the number of injured and ill that survive, there’s a greater demand for physical therapy and other types of rehabilitative care, as the Academy of Physical Therapy notes. 

Physical therapists can provide care aimed to relieve pain, help you function and move better, and provide a higher quality of life. There are many different treatments that may be used, whether you seek physical therapy in Avoca, PA, or anywhere else, including these. 

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is often considered the foundation of any physical therapy treatment plan as it’s one of the most effective methods there is. It simply means that the therapist uses his or her own hands, such as massage techniques, strengthening exercises, manipulation, and mobilization.

Exercises

There is a wide range of exercises that are often prescribed as part of the plan too. It may be used to help target weak muscles, correct a muscular imbalance, or as a strengthening tool to address a specific injury. As so many people live sedentary lifestyles, it may be prescribed to improve quality of life, aimed to reduce or prevent aches and pains while setting one up for a healthier future over the long term. Hydrotherapy, or water exercises, is especially popular among physical therapists for helping to heal injuries and promote health.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation therapy also referred to as ESTIM, is a treatment that involves applying electrical stimulation to muscles that are dormant, allowing them to contract, which can help prevent atrophy while building strength. After a traumatic injury, it can restore movement and function. It may also be used at low levels to help ease pain. It’s helpful for keeping muscles active following a stroke or spinal cord injury too. With this treatment, a physical therapist will attach electrodes to the skin to cause the targeted muscles to contract.

Cold and Hot Therapies

Physical therapists may use ice to reduce swelling and inflammation in soft tissue injuries as it helps constrict blood vessels. If the muscles are tight or the patient is experiencing muscle spasms, heat may be used to help. It can also be used to relieve pain, increase mobility, and enhance the pliability of tissues by stretching muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Laser Treatments

Low-level laser therapy is a treatment used to generate wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and promote recovery. It can reduce inflammation, muscle fatigue, and pain. It’s sometimes used to relieve discomfort during the manual manipulation of joints.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a common physical therapy treatment that uses a wand, applying high-pitched sound waves to boost circulation and generate heat deep within tissues. It may be used to enhance the effects of other PT treatments such as manual therapy and exercises to speed healing. 

Education on Using Assistive Devices

Education is often part of physical therapy treatments. In addition to the instruction on how to perform exercises prescribed, it can include training on how to use assistive devices like crutches and wheelchairs. Teaching patients how they can assist in their own recovery while preventing further injuries can be a key part of achieving better functioning and a higher quality of life overall. 

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