Physical Therapy is a highly specialized health profession dedicated to promoting healing and restoring movement which may be restricted due to injury, stress, disease, over training or the normal aging process. Physical Therapy practitioners address pain relief first because we understand people heal faster when pain is managed or alleviated. We work to ensure patient comfort by delivering customized care in a private setting using advanced hands-on techniques and modalities to treat a wide range of conditions.
Physical therapy is a medical science that specializes in helping a body relieve pain, heal from injury, perform better in work/play/leisure. Pain relief is achieved with all natural remedies with no side-effects or drugs using procedures such as the following:
- Pressure-Point Release – In this procedure the therapist or clinical assistant searches for muscles that are actively in spasm or causing pain. They then push on the muscle for 1-2 minutes. Initially it will cause soreness but should diminish steadily. This helps to normalize the muscles and improve circulation in that area.
- Soft-Tissue Mobilization – This technique is the application of movement and force to muscles, ligaments, nerves or other soft-tissue for the purpose of releasing restrictions and promoting healing. It is used to reduce pain and improve fluidity of movement . Sometimes discomfort may accompany the procedure.
- Joint Mobilization – The application of movement and force to a joint is used to increase range and motion. It can also be used to reduce pain. Sometimes discomfort may accompany the procedure.
- Kinetic Activity
- Therapeutic Exercises – Designed to strengthening and balance the muscles around your joints are essential for good movement, stability and pain relief. Physical therapists are the leading experts in helping those with pain, arthritis, obesity, diabetes and heart disease get fit and strong safely.
There are many specialties within the physical therapy profession. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Sports Medicine
- Geriatric
- Pediatric
- Women’s Health
- Industrial/Work Hardening
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Oncology Rehab
- Strength & Conditioning
- Ergonomics & Injury Prevention
- Certified Hand Therapy
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehab
Even though there are many specialties and settings within the realm of ‘physical therapy’, most all physical therapists are trained to accelerate the body’s own healing process, hasten recovery, promote better movement, and foster return to activities that promote quality of life. There are no side-effects, no drugs, or invasive procedures involved with physical therapy. It is typically the first and best option for most muscle/joint/nerve/tendon problems, even those that might require surgery since therapy can shorten the recovery time and improve the outcome of the surgery. If you have any questions, just ask you physical therapist today!
