Physical therapy is a versatile and highly individualized plan of health care and rehabilitation. Performed by highly qualified therapists who are experts in the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal and neurological issues that impact daily life, PT helps patients regain motion, function, independence, and quality of life. What could physical therapy help you achieve? Find out below.
Physical Therapy Helps Treat Many Health Conditions
Physical therapists perform detailed assessments called functional capacity evaluations (FCEs). These tests show the therapist many measurable details regarding a patient’s strength, range of motion, ambulation, balance, coordination, grip, gait, and more.
With the findings, the therapist formulates a treatment plan to help the individual recover from surgery, overcome disability from an injury, work accident, or sports injury, or deal with problems arising from complex surgery, aging, or degenerative disease.
While physical therapists do not arrive at medical diagnoses, they do pinpoint physical deficiencies related to muscles, nerves, skeletal structures, and soft tissues. They also work on cardiovascular and respiratory problems, neurological losses due to stroke, balance problems, and weak pelvic floor muscles. In short, PT helps people manage and overcome a wide range of health-related problems.
Treatments are always patient-centered and goal-oriented. Care plans incorporate medical findings and patient desires for improved function and capacity. Patient-therapist communication is critical to planning success, and treatments are adjusted along the way to improve their efficiency and results.
Conditions addressed at physical therapy facilities, such as the North Country Orthopedic Group, include:
- Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
- Post-operative pain
- Back pain, particularly lower back (lumbar) pain
- Vertigo
- COPD
- Congestive heart failure
- TMJ (jaw joint dysfunction and pain)
- Hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand pain from sports and occupational injuries
- Tendon tears
- Wounds and diabetic ulcers
- Lymphedema
- Urinary incontinence due to weak pelvic musculature
Physical Therapy Uses Many Kinds of Interventions
Some treatments may be performed by the physical therapist or by the patient alone under supervision. Many people come to PT facilities to get their treatments, and frequently, care plans include exercises to perform at home as part of self-management.
Interventions may include:
- Bracing
- Orthotics (shoe inserts)
- Cold and heat therapy
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Massage therapy, including the myofascial release of stiff connective tissues
- Soft tissue manipulation and mobilization
- Ultrasound therapy
- Balance, gait, and posture training
Physical Therapy in the Adirondack Region of New York
In the Adirondack region of New York State, the North Country Orthopedic Group has a fully equipped and professionally staffed physical therapy department. If you, your PCP, or your orthopedic specialist believe a detailed physical therapy program would benefit your overall health, function, and well-being, call us at our Watertown, NY, office. We treat both adults and children of all ages.
Call (315) 782-1650, or request your consultation online. We look forward to serving you!
