If you are suffering from chronic pain due to an injury or medical condition, your doctor may recommend you undergo physical therapy. Physical therapy aims to restore movement and function after a musculoskeletal system issue through different techniques and methods involving the manipulation of the body.
Physical therapy is effective in treating a wide range of orthopedic diseases and conditions, injuries caused by sports, vehicular, and other accidents, overuse injuries caused by occupational or leisure activities, and post-surgery trauma.
Conditions Physical Therapy Can Effectively Treat
There are a variety of health issues treated with physical therapy. Typically, physical therapy is used in addition to other treatment methods. This can include medications, injections, surgery, acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and more. Here are just some of the conditions physical therapy can treat effectively:
- Fibromyalgia
- Neck and back pain
- Pain in joints
- Sciatica
- Sprains and strains
- Poor balance and posture
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Whiplash
There are a lot of physical therapy techniques and methods that can help you with your musculoskeletal issues. The most common methods are exercise or physical training based. Here are some examples of different types of exercises physical therapists use:
Low-Impact Aerobics
Low-impact aerobic exercise is a training program that elevates the heart rate and improves circulation. It is ideal for patients who are suffering from back pain because it can greatly decrease stiffness by improving the blood flow in the spinal structure and increase the number of nutrients reaching the spine. Through a routine of low-impact aerobics training, it can keep the spine mobile and functional which limits disability caused by chronic pain. Low-impact exercises are great for those with damaged joints or those who recently had surgery
Muscle Strengthening
Muscle strengthening activities can help maintain your ability to perform day to day tasks easily, and it is known to slow down the rate of muscle loss due to aging and certain medical conditions. The exercises usually involve resistance training and using your own body weight to perform exercises. Some of the activities that physical therapists suggest are using resistance bands, walking on an incline, cycling, and lifting weights.
Flexibility Exercises
Another type of mobility issue physical therapy can help with is flexibility. After surgery or due to chronic pain, a lot of patients experience limited flexibility in joints. For example, your knee or back may bend less than usual. Flexibility training can help restore good movement and range of motion to your joints.
If you are suffering from chronic pain or any of the conditions listed above, physical therapy can help you regain control of your life. Talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy can help you get healthier and find relief.
Physical Therapy in Watertown, New York
If you are searching for a reputable and experienced physical therapist for your orthopedic needs, trust only the experts at North Country Orthopaedic Group.
We specialize in the full spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. We offer not only physical therapy but also general and pediatric orthopedic care, joint replacement surgery, sports medicine care, and much more.
To make an appointment, please call us at (315) 782-1650 today. You can also request an appointment online. Our friendly staff looks forward to speaking with you!
