Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is the rehabilitative process used to help restore a person's function, improve mobility and strength, relieve acute and chronic pain, prevent or limit permanent physical disability following an accident or injury, and slow or alter the progressive effects from disease. Orthopedic physical therapists evaluate and treat disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system as well as rehabilitate patients following orthopedic surgery. A   therapist trained in Myofascial Release can address chronic strain and postural compensations (including scar tissue) which ultimately lead to chronic pain by treating the fascial system. Additionally, a therapist educated in Craniosacral Therapy can help facilitate the body's own natural healing ability in patients suffering from autoimmune problems such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer as well as neurological dysfunctions. Therapists begin with an evaluation of the problem and design an individualized treatment plan. Modalities to relieve pain, swelling and muscle spasm may consist of electrical stimulation, heat/cold, ultrasound, LEDs, TENS, magnets, and orthopedic wraps. Hands-on techniques include massage, stretching, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization and craniosacral therapy. Exercises are instructed to strengthen, stretch, mobilize and balance the body in proper posture. Physical therapists teach you how to take care of yourself by showing you how to use your body properly at home and in the work place to prevent recurring injury and pain and how to treat yourself at home. Increasingly, people look to physical therapy as the first step to resolving a problem, hoping that surgery may be prevented, the use of medications reduced, or that their quality of life and use of their body is improved if not restored to normal.