Popular Physical Therapy Methods

10 Nov 2017 Physical Therapy , , , , , ,

Whether it’s a short-lived pain from a sporting injury or long-term pain from conditions like arthritis, pain can be difficult to live with and manage. From helping arthritic pain and bursitis, to the recovery from broken and fractured bones, and sprains and strains, physical therapists are highly educated healthcare experts in the movement and function of the human body, called kinesiology.

Physical therapists have a special aptitude for assessing the human body and helping restore it back to optimal performance after injury or surgery. Many people experience pain at some point in their lives, whether it is acute or chronic. Physical therapy has been known to improve function for patients experiencing hip, knee, shoulder, and lower back pain. It may also be an effective method in reducing pain for patients with conditions such as tendonitis.

Armed with cutting edge equipment and a huge background of knowledge, PTs can help diagnose and treat many common conditions and disorders affecting movement and function, which often disrupts and affects someone’s ability to live their life normally. Often, doctors turn to physical therapy methods to try and relieve pain and restore function, before turning to surgery as a last resort.

Therefore, armed with cutting edge equipment and a huge background of knowledge, physical therapists can help diagnose and effectively treat many common problems, and most importantly improve or restore mobility, relieve pain, and reduce the need for surgery and prescription drugs.

Physical therapy is an essential part of total patient care, especially when recovering from injury or surgery. Having a good quality of life depends on our health, and if people are in constant pain and suffering, life can be difficult to navigate. That’s why physical therapists can make all the different in your treatment and recovery process. Attitude and motivation are two important psychological factors that often affect the outcome of a situation. PT’s are trained to encourage their patients, helping them reach their goals, whether they are long-term or short-term.

Physical therapist’s work with their patients on a one-on-one basis, track their progress through treatment, and really make a difference in their lives, by getting them back on their feet, and lifting their spirits, encouraging the patient to keep moving forward. Whether the patient’s problem is a result of injury or disease, the physical therapist is a rehabilitation specialist with one goal in mind: helping patient’s recover by restoring optimal function and mobility, and preventing further disability.

Your PT will complete a full evaluation before making an accurate diagnosis.

Therapeutic exercise and functional training are the cornerstones of a physical therapy treatment plan. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, in order to promote proper movement and function, physical therapists will work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness oriented programs, for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Popular physical therapy methods include:

  • Ice and heat therapy: Ice is best for swelling and inflammation, while heat is best for muscle spasms and tightness
  • Manual Therapy:  Manual therapy includes dry needling, cupping therapeutic taping, and other techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and IASTM. These techniques can be helpful in restoring tissue mobility, improving muscle and joint function, decreasing inflammation, improving stability, and facilitating weak muscles.
  • Exercises: Exercise is a main go-to strategy to treat and prevent pain. These aren’t just exercises like you do at the gym, PT exercises are specially chosen and specifically tailored to help treat the patient’s specific problem. These exercise techniques are hand-picked to help patients move better by strengthening certain muscles, and addressing any imbalances that may exist.

To learn more about the popular physical therapy methods, call us in East Tucson at (520) 784-6570, Northwest Tucson at (520) 382-8201, or Oro Valley at (520)382-8180, or request an appointment online.

The Training Required for a Physical Therapist

6 Oct 2017 Physical Therapy , , , ,

Physical Therapists (PT) help people regain strength and movement and alleviate pain, often through modalities such as stretching and exercise. A rehabilitation plan following an injury or to correct an orthopedic condition often includes physical therapy as an important part of the treatment and/or recovery process. Licensed Physical Therapists are highly-trained professionals with many years of study and experience to understand how the body moves and works, to help people feel better and live better lives.

Physical therapists are required to have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). DPT degrees usually take about three years to complete.

Acceptance into a DPT program requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant coursework, which may include anatomy, biology, physics, and chemistry. The DPT program includes study in the areas of physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, biomechanics and psychology. The degree requires 30 weeks of clinical experience under the supervision of licensed PTs.

Following graduation as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, PTs complete a one-year residency for additional experience in various areas of care, such as for acute injuries like bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, as well as for conditions usually affecting older patients, such as arthritis. PTs also help people with genetic disorders affecting movement. Fellowships are available to further specialize a physical therapist’s area of expertise following his or her residency. DPTs can be board-certified by The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Licensing of physical therapists is administered at the state level, and requirements vary by state. However, every state requires that PTs pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. This extensive training and licensing program prepares a physical therapist to be an integral member of a patient’s healthcare team during recovery from an injury or illness.

Physical therapists at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute work directly with physicians to develop a treatment plan that is customized for each patient to maximize therapeutic benefit and produce the best possible outcome. Our physical therapists are an integral part of the practice, and orthopedic treatments often cannot be fully realized without their expertise. Contact one of our fully equipped and state-of-the-art Tucson physical therapy centers today for a consultation. You can also request an appointment online right now.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Spinal Cord Injuries

11 Aug 2017 Physical Therapy , , , ,

A spinal cord injury can be as devastating as it sounds – it often means a permanent change in your body’s sensation and capabilities. The extent and duration of the injury is often impossible to determine, but physical therapy and exercise have been shown to have a universally positive effect.

 

The spinal cord conducts nerve impulses from the extremities to your core and everything in between, back and forth from the brain. Along with the brain, te spinal cord is the most integral part of the central nervous system. Among other sensory information, the primary motor cortex in the brain sends signals through the spinal cord that tell the body how and when to move. This is voluntary movement, not movement involved in life sustaining activities like breathing and blood circulation. When the spinal cord is damaged by an accident, communication with the nerves from the point of the injury downwards is disrupted. The signals that indicate sensation cannot reach the brain, and the brain cannot reach the muscles through the nervous system to cause movement.

 

Physical and occupational therapy begin almost immediately following a spinal cord injury. If there is any paralysis, whether temporary or permanent, the patient needs to strengthen muscles and learn alternate means of completing daily tasks. If the patient needs the assistance of a walker or wheelchair, physical therapy and exercise increase the ability to move independently.

 

Some benefits of physical therapy on spinal cord injury rehabilitation include:

·       Minimizing muscle atrophy

·       Improving breathing and circulation

·       Increasing mobility

·       Reducing feelings of depression and anxiety

·       Empowering patients to make a positive impact on their health

 

At Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, certified physical therapists work directly with physicians to develop a custom treatment plan that changes with any alteration in health or situation during the recovery period. Techniques that may be included in a treatment plan are manual therapy, aquatic therapy, electrophysiological agents, and more. Contact one of our convenient Tucson physical therapy centerstoday for a consultation, or request an appointment online.

Physical Therapy and Lymphedema Care: After a Mastectomy

4 Aug 2017 Physical Therapy , ,

At the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, we understand the need to heal after a major surgery. Our dedicated physical therapists have the compassion, training, and skills to help you move past pain while increasing function and range of motion. Physical therapy is a part of healing, but it is especially important to women who are undergoing physical therapy and lymphedema

(swelling) care after a mastectomy. Lymphedema (swelling of the arm) is a common side effect after a mastectomy.

Why is Lymphedema and How Does Physical Therapy Help?

 

Lymph glands, which normally transports lymph, a vital fluid containing white blood cells and other infection fighting components, are often taken out during a mastectomy in order to remove cancerous tissues. This can cause a condition known as secondary lymphedema, in which excess fluid collects beneath the skin. Without the ability to drain, excess fluid can build up (edema), causing swelling of the affected area.

 

The excessive collection of fluid can prevent proper blood flow and oxygenation and make a person susceptible to certain kinds of infection in the swollen areas. Following a mastectomy, physical therapy can help to drain the tissues because exercise and movement, along with compression and targeted massage, aids in the removal of excess fluid, toxins, and waste. Lymphedema can range from mild to severe, depending on the number of lymph nodes that have been removed or damaged. Symptoms of lymphedema can include:

 

·      Tightness, heaviness or feelings of fullness in the affected chest, armpit, arm area

·      Aching or pain in the affected limb

·      Swelling of the hand(s)

·      Difficulty bending the affected limb due to swelling

·      Arm weakness

·      Inability to fit into clothing such as bras, blouses and jewelry that were previously wearable

 

The treatment for lymphedema often includes physical therapy, exercise, and massage therapy. It may also require compression bandages to prevent fluid buildup, diet and weight management, and elevation of the affected arm. It is also very important that you keep the skin healthy by preventing it from drying out or cracking. This can lead to serious infections because the bacteria can often thrive in the areas where lymph glands have been removed.

 

Your doctor and physical therapist can advise you further as to which diet, exercise, medications and therapies are right for you. If you, or someone you love needs exceptional after care following a mastectomy, or any form of orthopedic care, or to learn more about our Ortho Fast Track program, please call us in East Tucson at (520) 784-6200, Northwest Tucson at (520) 382-8200, or Oro Valley at (520) 544-9700, or request an appointment online.

Can Physical Therapy Help Avoid Surgeries

28 Jul 2017 Physical Therapy , ,
Can Physical Therapy Help Avoid Surgeries

Our bodies are designed to heal themselves, and this natural healing process works best when paired with proper nutrition, healthy exercise, and the right forms of rehabilitation and treatment. When people are suffering with pain from recent injury or a chronic condition, the first thought that comes to mind is often relying on surgery or medication for treatment. The truth is, physical therapy is equally, if not more, effective; and may even prevent the need for surgery in the first place.

Physical therapy helps restore function, improve range of motion, and alleviate pain. Many patients with problems including back pain, neck pain, and painful conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, sprains and strains, and other injuries, can benefit from rehabilitation via physical therapy.

Going through physical therapy first to try to prevent surgery is usually recommended by doctors, including orthopedic surgeons and pain specialists. Even if you already had surgery, it’s important to implement a physical therapy treatment plan to increase your success of regaining optimal strength, mobility and balance, after recovery.

The job of a physical therapist is to treat any disability resulting from disease or injury, from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. The focus is on the development of a comprehensive program for putting the pieces of a person’s life back together after injury or disease, without surgery. There is a specific science and pattern that the muscles of the body move to, and a licensed physical therapist has trained to have a keen understanding of body mechanics.

Physical therapists develop treatment plans designed and tailored specifically for the patient, based on their diagnosis, goals, needs, and challenges. PT can help you rehabilitate from an injury, or alleviate the symptoms and pain caused by a condition, and most importantly help to avoid surgery. Studies have shown that surgery has been known to possibly cause more pain, especially in some cases where PT was not followed through afterward.

Physical therapy is a direct form of treatment, and can help target and treat the underlying source of your pain, whether it’s arthritis or another condition, and will help chronic pain improve over time. Your therapist will also provide individualized exercise routines, for both in office and at home. Doing physical therapy sessions allows you to become stronger every day, and teach you the right way to exercise to alleviate pain, not increase it. It is important to note, that the main goal of physical therapy is to restore your function and mobility, and eliminate or minimize your pain so you can get back to your active lifestyle.

Remember, that physical therapists are experts in improving and strengthening your mobility and motion to improve your quality of life. Your recovery will all depend how motivated and determined you are to power through your injury, and do your PT sessions. It is not going to be comfortable, but the more you do it, the more successful your outcome will be.

Talk to one of our experienced doctors at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, about working together to develop an individualized treatment plan to help you to either avoid surgery, or achieve an optimal post-operative recovery if surgery is necessary. To learn more about physical therapy and how it can help you avoid surgery, call Tucson Orthopaedic Institute at (520) 784-6200, to request an appointment, or use our secure online appointment request form.

What to Expect in Your First Physical Therapy Visit

21 Jul 2017 Physical Therapy , ,

The common use of certain physical therapy techniques goes back to the twentieth century, during World War I. Back then, physical therapists were trained to work with soldiers who were returning from war. In present day, physical therapists often help people who suffer from musculoskeletal problems, looking to reduce pain and regain function. Physical therapists also provide assistance for patients who may be recovering from a stroke, and need to learn how to use their limbs and walk again. Physical therapy is also commonly utilized as part of the recovery process after many types of surgery, helping strengthen the body and reduce the buildup of scar tissue.

As experts in the way the body moves, physical therapists are healthcare professionals who offer effective treatment to improve or restore mobility and relieve chronic pain, reduce the need for surgery and prescription drugs, allowing patients to participate in a recovery plan designed for their specific needs.  A customized physical therapy program can help individuals return to their prior level of functioning, and encourage activities and lifestyle changes that can help prevent further injury and improve overall health and well-being.

During your first physical therapy appointment, your therapist will evaluate you and then provide you the necessary treatment. Your PT will advise you on how to perform exercises both in office or at home, and how to best manage your symptoms that you experience. Patients are typically involved in an active exercise program at home and are educated in ways to speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the problem.

Depending on your injuries and the evaluation, treatment may consist of a variety of exercise techniques and pain reducing modalities, such as ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, such as a TENS unit. Treatments in physical therapy, are designed to increase motion and strength, reduce pain, and most importantly, restore function.

Your physical therapist during your first visit will ask a lot of questions about your health, and can give you a detailed outline of your condition and what would best suit you for treatment. Most importantly, before your visit, jot down questions to ask your therapist, and remember that they are there to guide you along the way to achieve your goals.

To learn more about physical therapy and how to prepare for your first visit, call Tucson Orthopaedic Institute at (520) 784-6200, to request an appointment, or you can call or use our secure online appointment request form.

The Benefits of Coordinated Care & Physical Therapy

5 May 2017 Physical Therapy , , ,
“Coordinated care” means that all healthcare professionals work together to help make sure patients get the right care at the right time. Coordinated care aims to make sure that patients, especially the chronically ill, get the right care at the right time, while avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and preventing medical errors. You’ll benefit when your doctor, health care provider, or hospital coordinate your care, working together to give you the right care at the right time in the right setting.

Rehabilitation is an important process after surgery or injury that involves many different healthcare professionals. Of course, the main purpose of a rehabilitation center is to prepare patients to return home. Physical and occupational therapists work together in this effort. As part of this process, the nursing staff also coordinates the details of planning services and patient care.

When everyone works together to coordinate a patient’s care, the result can be happier, healthier patients, faster recovery by those who are ill or hospitalized, and improved quality of life for those with serious and chronic conditions.

Benefits of Coordinated Care

·       Develop a plan to help achieve personal health goals

·       Family support and knowledge growth through individual visits and group seminars

·       Coordination of complex health care needs

·       Increased access to information related to medication, procedures, and diagnoses

Physical therapy has the potential to help restore independence to a homebound patient. Therapy emphasizes addressing mobility tasks and deficits in the skills that a patient has difficulty with or cannot perform without assistance. Through the incorporation of therapeutic exercise and functional training, patients will experience improvements with pain, range of motion, strength, endurance, balance, and mobility.

To learn more about coordinated care and physical therapy, call Tucson Orthopaedic Institute at our East Tucson office at (520) 784-6200, or our Northwest Tucson office at (520) 382-8200.

8 Key Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist Prior to Treatment

24 Feb 2017 Physical Therapy , , , ,

If you’ve never been to orthopedic physical therapy before or you’re starting PT at a new and unfamiliar place, there are some fundamental questions you should ask prior to your first appointment to make sure you will be comfortable at the facility and confident in the care you will be receiving.

1. Who will be providing my care?

Orthopedic physical therapy clinics may employ a number of different types of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, or certified hand therapists. The type of therapist you see will typically depend on your diagnosis.

2. What qualifications and experience do your providers have?

Physical and occupational therapists have advanced degrees and typically pursue continuing education courses throughout their career. In addition, many therapists obtain additional certifications such as:

  • Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS)
  • Sports Certified Specialist (SCS)
  • Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
  • Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS)
  • Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA)
  • Certified Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (CMDT) of the Spine
  • Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (COMT)

These certifications indicate the provider has taken post-graduate courses and passed an examination assuring a minimal competency level in the specific area.

At TOI, many of our therapists have these or other certifications. They also specialize in areas such as vestibular rehabilitation, balance and fall prevention, aquatic therapy, cranial sacral therapy, myofascial release, functional rehabilitation, kinesio taping, trigger point dry needling, instrumented soft tissue mobilization, movement analysis, and manual therapy.

3. Will I see the same physical or occupational therapist each time?

To build rapport and trust with your provider and ensure consistency of care, it is important for the same provider to treat you or supervise your care at each session. There may be times you are treated by a physical or occupational therapist assistant (PTA/OTA), but they are always overseen by the primary PT or OT and will follow the established treatment plan.

4. How many therapy sessions will I need and how long will they be?

This will depend on your diagnosis and compliance with your treatment plan. Your therapist will discuss a treatment plan with you in detail at the initial consultation.

5. What will a typical therapy session entail?

Your first PT visit includes a comprehensive evaluation. You will describe your medical history, your current problems and level of pain, what aggravates and eases your problem, how your pain or lack of mobility impacts or limits your daily activities, and what your goals are for physical therapy.

Your therapist will perform a physical evaluation including palpation, range of motion testing, muscle testing, neurological screening, and perhaps other tests to confirm or rule out other problems. He or she will then create a treatment plan with your input and explain what you can expect from each visit.

This typically includes therapeutic exercise (range of motion, strengthening, stretching) and functional training, as well as hands-on care, manual therapy, joint mobilization, modalities (heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and more), and reviewing your home exercise program.

Depending on your diagnosis, your rehab may also include aquatic therapy, vestibular therapy to treat dizziness, balance and gait training, sport-specific exercise, or other treatment to address your specific problem(s).

6. Will physical therapy be painful?

People are referred to physical therapy for pain relief or to improve mobility. Your therapist will devise a treatment plan to address your specific complaints and goals for therapy. In some cases PT may be painful, especially after surgery. If you do experience pain during your therapy sessions, it is important to communicate this to your therapist, noting the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain. Your therapist will then adjust your treatment plan to work around or through the pain.

7. Do you accept my insurance?

This will typically dictate which physical therapy facility you can visit. Be sure the facility clarifies your insurance coverage prior to scheduling your initial appointment.

8. What are your hours of operation?

Convenience is key to ensuring you attend all your therapy sessions. Make sure your PT provider offers hours that are compatible with your schedule. Many offer early morning or evening hours to accommodate working patients.

Tuscon Orthopaedic Institute offers physical and occupational therapy in two convenient locations. Collectively, our therapists have over 220 years of combined orthopaedic rehabilitation experience. Learn more about the orthopedic rehabilitation services we provide and our highly qualified therapists, then call us to schedule your appointment.

Did You Know? 8 Interesting Facts about Physical Therapy

21 Dec 2016 General, Physical Therapy , , , ,

If you have a musculoskeletal injury or condition, physical therapists can help you recover by improving your mobility, reducing your pain, and restoring your function. While this is widely known, here are some interesting things you might not know about physical therapy (PT).

How did it all begin? The profession of physical therapy began during World War I in response to the need to treat injured soldiers. The benefits of PT have since been proven so great that it is now an integral part of strengthening and recovery. 8 Interesting Facts About Physical Therapy

Where do physical therapists work? Besides physician practices like Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, physical therapists can work in a number of other settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

What else do physical therapists do? Most people probably associate PT with orthopedic rehabilitation, but there are several other types of physical therapy, including neurologic rehabilitation (e.g., working with stroke patients and spinal cord injuries), acute care, post-operative care, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehab, lymphedema management, pelvic floor therapy, and burn/wound care.

Can physical therapists treat anything other than musculoskeletal disorders? Besides disorders of the bones, muscles, and joints, physical therapists can treat balance problems such as dizziness and vertigo (a dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear), headaches, concussions, jaw pain (such as TMJ), lymphedema, urinary incontinence, COPD and other cardiopulmonary conditions, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

What kind of credentials do physical therapists have? When physical therapy was first recognized as a profession, PTs only had to have a bachelor’s degree to practice. Today PTs have advanced degrees. Masters degrees became the required norm during the 1990s, while most of today’s PT graduates obtain a doctoral degree (DPT).

Do physical therapists do massage? Physical therapy is a hands-on therapeutic treatment. While PTs are trained in massage, it is not the type of massage you may have received from a massage therapist at a spa. Physical therapists use massage to reduce tightness and improve mobility of the muscle, soft tissue, or joint that is inflamed or in pain. It is typically referred to as manual therapy, manipulation, or mobilization. So massage is part of the therapy process to reduce pain and increase mobility.

How many physical therapists are there? In 2014, there were 210,900 PTs in the US. This number is expected to rise by 34% through 2024. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Do I need a referral to receive physical therapy? It depends on where you live. Arizona and 21 other states allow unlimited direct access to PT. This means that you can see a physical therapist as often as you want for as long as you want without a referral from a doctor. However, you should check with your health insurance company first to make sure they will reimburse you for your physical therapy sessions.

For orthopedic physical therapy in Tucson, call Tucson Orthopaedic Institute today. We offer physical therapy in East Tucson [(520) 784-6570] and Northwest Tucson [(520) 382-8201]. Contact your preferred location to make an appointment.

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