One of the most conservative and effective ways to treat many orthopedic problems, physical therapy and rehabilitation can help you to:
- Improve mobility and motion. Your physical therapist can help you move freely again without pain or discomfort.
- Reduce the risk of injury due to abnormal movement, stress on joints and strain on muscles–during competitive sports or in everyday life.
- Minimize or alleviate pain without medication. Physical therapy can be particularly helpful in treating back and neck pain, knee pain as well as degenerative joint problems such as arthritis.
- Avoid orthopedic surgery, when part of a comprehensive, non-invasive medical management plan.
The Spine & Sports Health Center's physical therapy and rehabilitation services feature a team of highly experienced therapists led by a doctor of physical therapy. They work closely with our board-certified physical medicine specialists–and with you–to design, implement and manage a recovery plan that restores strength, flexibility and function. Each therapist takes a proactive, hands-on approach that not only helps speed recovery, but also motivates each patient to actively participate in the process.
The result is a customized physical therapy and rehabilitation program unlike any other: One that's focused on your condition–and on you, as a person–so you can return to your active life faster. Your individualized program will include a unique blend of:
Passive physical therapy
Emphasizing soft tissue massage, passive stretching, myofascial (muscle and facial tissue) release and technology–such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation and hot and cold ice packs–this type of therapy helps to release inflammation and break the cycle of pain.
Active physical therapy
Usually done in conjunction with its passive counterpart, active physical therapy is when you will make lasting gains that take your pain away–and keep it away. During this part, your Spine & Sports Health Center physical therapist and physician will identify your specific weaknesses and work to turn them around with strengthening, stretching and postural exercises. Your physical therapist also will give you hands-on feedback about what you are doing right and what you can do to improve your form.
Here, each physical therapy and rehabilitation session lasts up to one hour. Most of the time, you'll be working one-on-one with your therapist, focusing on the active part of your therapy. You will learn the exercises with your physical therapist and then continue to do them on your own at home.