Getting Started With Orthopedic Physical Therapy

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Healing Back Pain

I always wanted a job where I could work with my hands, but after I started working in construction, I found myself with another problem on my hands. I was lifting heavy items all day long, and it really took a toll on my back. I found myself wincing in pain, and it was really discouraging. I realized that if I wanted to keep working, I would need to find a way to help my back. I turned to a great chiropractor in my area, and he really helped me to tackle my issues. After only a few treatments, I had less back pain and a wider range of motion. Read here about more ways a chiropractor can help you.

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Getting Started With Orthopedic Physical Therapy

9 December 2022
 Categories: , Blog


Orthopedic physical therapy treats the body as a series of unified systems. Whenever someone suffers a disruption to these systems, they can suffer pain, loss of range of motion, and weakness. Physical issues can make the most basic of tasks seems impossible, but treatment can help people restore their abilities or at least function better within their new limits.

Getting started is critical to orthopedic physical therapy treatment. You should know what the process is and what to expect, and this short guide will help.

Physical Basis

Therapy in this case focuses on how the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems interact. Problems can involve muscles, ligaments, tendons, connective tissues, nerves, the spine, or even the brain. In other words, orthopedic physical therapy assembles the basic components of simple actions to help people live their everyday lives.

Someone who has been in the hospital for weeks might have suffered cardiovascular decline due to lack of activity, for example. Likewise, they might have had surgery to repair a ligament that entrapped a nerve in their chest. Consequently, they may need to redevelop their cardio while regaining feeling and motion. A therapist can work with them in stages to ensure their body will handle the process and achieve steady improvement over time.

Treatable Conditions

Many conditions lead to problems with strength, mobility, or coordination. People often seek orthopedic physical therapy treatment after surgeries, accidents, strokes, injuries, and illnesses. Suppose you've experienced a decline in your ability to perform basic tasks like walking, lifting items, opening things, or moving specific body parts. A therapist can identify long-term problems and potential solutions. They might help someone with a damaged shoulder maximize their remaining range of motion so they can use doors, cupboards, tools, utensils, and appliances.

Plan and Process

Your therapists and doctors will work with you to develop a plan. They will identify specific movements and activities so you can begin recovering. Likewise, they can educate you about the nature of your condition and what to expect in terms of long-term, recovery prospects. If you need to use assistive devices, they can help you to maximize those items' functionality.

Orthopedic physical therapy also imposes a process. Participants will develop schedules so they can regularly progress through treatment. Over time, they can regain at least some of their strength, range of motion, and dexterity. They can then apply their knowledge in daily life to get around and do things. For more information about orthopedic physical therapy, reach out to a local clinic.