Orthopedic injuries and issues are a common problem that affects people of all ages and activity types. With the rise in emphasis on exercise and sports activities, the need for orthopedic care and coordinating therapy has never been greater. Whether an acute injury or a chronic condition, orthopedic problems can greatly benefit from physical therapy, or more specifically, orthopedic therapy.
What is Orthopedic Therapy?
Orthopedic injuries refer to those that affect bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Medical specialists are becoming more and specialized, and physical therapists are no exception to this.
Orthopedic therapists are those who focus their practice on caring for acute and chronic orthopedic problems. These therapists are extensively trained in evaluating and treating these musculoskeletal disorders. Many orthopedic therapists are certified by the American Physical Therapy Association as an "orthopedic clinical specialist," or "OCS."
Orthopedic injuries refer to those that affect bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. With a population that is becoming increasingly active as well as advanced in age, the need for orthopedic care is at an all-time high. Medical specialists are becoming more and specialized, and physical therapists are no exception to this.
Orthopedic therapists are those who focus their practice on caring for acute and chronic orthopedic problems. These therapists are extensively trained in evaluating and treating these musculoskeletal disorders. Many orthopedic therapists are certified by the American Physical Therapy Association as an "orthopedic clinical specialist," or "OCS." Patients of all ages and activity levels can benefit from orthopedic therapy. If you are experiencing pain or loss of function that limits your ability to do the activities that you need or want to do, then orthopedic therapy may be for you.
Who Would Benefit From Orthopedic Therapy?
Orthopedic therapy is beneficial in treating a large variety of orthopedic conditions. Patients who suffer acute musculoskeletal injuries, such as a rotator cuff tear or Achilles tendon strain, can benefit from immediate treatment to control pain and swelling, followed by progressive strengthening, range of motion, and eventual regain of normal function.
The same can be said for patients who are post-orthopedic surgical procedures, as orthopedic therapy can help accelerate every phase of their recovery as well as maximize the outcome.
Patients with chronic orthopedic conditions can certainly benefit from orthopedic therapy as well. Many times with long-standing orthopedic disorders, such as arthritis or chronic tendonitis, there are deficits in areas like strength, posture, and range of motion that can be corrected by an orthopedic therapist.
How can Orthopedic Therapy help you?
Whenever someone is faced with the challenge of an orthopedic injury or surgery, the main goal is always a full recovery with the complete return of pre-injury level of function. Whenever these traumatic events occur to the musculoskeletal system, the patient's muscles and nerves shut down in order to protect themselves. Orthopedic therapy focuses on awakening these structures and retraining them to work in an optimal way. Sometimes this process is quick, and sometimes it is lengthy, but you can be assured that orthopedic therapy will accelerate and improve recovery.
After most types of orthopedic surgery procedures, the physician recommends that the patient undergo orthopedic therapy. The therapist will assist with each phase of recovery. This consists of training programs for recovering strength and range of motion, teaching proper techniques for basic and advanced activities, treatment modalities performed by the therapist, as well as much more. The treatment is similar after orthopedic injuries, and many times can prevent surgery from being required in order to obtain a full recovery. When surgery is required, orthopedic therapy significantly contributes to positive outcomes, better range of motion, and accelerated recovery.
What conditions does an Orthopedic Therapist treat?
There are many conditions treated by an orthopedic therapist. Acute injuries, such as a tear of the meniscus, a strain of the low back, or an ankle sprain can greatly benefit from early therapy, with recovery times reduced compared to no treatment. Numerous chronic musculoskeletal conditions can also be effectively treated with orthopedic therapy. Some of these include rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, lumbar disc disease, and even arthritis. The therapist will develop a custom plan to fit your needs based on your problem and their evaluation. Whatever the condition, the goal is always to maximize recovery and obtain a full return of function.
What Makes Orthopedic Therapy Unique?
With orthopedic therapy, strong emphasis is placed on the body functioning as a unit. An orthopedic therapist will understand how pain and disability can limit a patient's functionality, and will likewise be able to focus on key areas of treatment to remove limitations and restore full function. An orthopedic therapist will use state-of-the-art techniques and exercise programs, as well as tools and equipment when needed, to progress a patient through the necessary phases to ensure that they are ready for a full return to the activities that they love.
We offer orthopedic therapy at all of our locations, call us today to schedule an appointment!
Sports Therapy Locations and Services
Luckily, our offices have a wide range of certified specialists, so it is easy for you to find the best therapist for your particular needs. To learn more about our highly-qualified staff of sports medicine and physical therapists, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
We have four locations you can choose from: