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.

Don’t Be Scared of Physical Therapy Equipment

19 May 2017 Physical Therapy , ,

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 normally active lifestyle. In fact, as experts in the way the body moves, physical therapists help people of all ages and abilities reduce pain, improve or restore mobility, and stay active and fit throughout life. While some people might that the tasks are daunting, or the equipment difficult to use, the overwhelmingly positive results for patient recovery should soften any fears about physical therapy.

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. Primary care doctors often refer patients for physical therapy at the first sign of a problem, since it is considered a traditional and non-invasive approach to managing problems.

Most physical therapy uses a combination of techniques to relieve pain and boost coordination, strength, endurance, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical therapists (PTs) often ask patients to use exercise equipment like bikes and treadmills. However, other equipment like using resistance bands, medicine balls, and foam rollers can be confusing if someone doesn’t instruct you on what they are and how to use them. Here is a guide on physical therapy equipment, and why it is not scary once you know how to use it.

1. Medicine Ball: The importance of a medicine ball is that it helps with strength, coordination, and balance. The medicine ball comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and weights. It is beneficial to start with the lightest and move up in weight as you get the hang of it while doing your exercises.

2. Foam Roller: In physical therapy, foam rollers are a crucial part in relieving tension and pain. If you have sore muscles, the foam roller gets out all the tension. The foam roller comes in different sizes and colors. Most importantly, it’s important to understand that foam rolling is uncomfortable at first, essentially due to getting knots out of your body. Listen to your body, and know your limits.

3. Resistance bands: Resistance bands are lightweight and can be taken anywhere. During physical therapy, resistance bands vary in tension, color, and thickness. Whatever style and color you use in physical therapy should be the one to use at home, if instructed.

Always consult your physical therapist at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute on how to use your new equipment before using it yourself. Exercising freely whenever you want in your home can be tantalizing, but exercising improperly could set you back weeks on your path to recovery. Mastering these tools will accelerate your recovery and get you back to your old self.

To learn more about physical therapy and the equipment used, call Tucson Orthopaedic Institute at our East Tucson office at (520) 784-6200, Northwest Tucson office at (520) 382-8200, or Oro Valley office at (520) 544-9700. To request an appointment, you can call or use our secure online appointment request form.

Common Sources of Shoulder Pain

28 Apr 2017 Shoulder Pain , , ,

The shoulder has a wide and versatile range of motion. However, when something goes wrong with your shoulder, it prevents your ability to move freely, and can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that has three main bones: the humerus (long arm bone), the clavicle (collarbone), and the scapula (also known as the shoulder blade). These bones are cushioned by a layer of cartilage. There are two main joints. The acromioclavicular joint is between the highest part of the scapula and the clavicle. The glenohumeral joint is made up of the top, ball-shaped part of the humerus bone and the outer edge of the scapula. This joint is also known as the shoulder joint.

A number of factors and conditions can contribute to shoulder pain. The most prevalent cause is rotator cuff tendinitis. This is a condition characterized by inflamed tendons. Another common cause of shoulder pain is an impingement syndrome where the rotator cuff gets caught between the acromion (part of the scapula that covers the ball) and humeral head (the ball portion of the humerus).

Shoulders get their range of motion from the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is made up of four tendons. Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bone. It may be painful or difficult to lift your arm over your head if the tendons or bones around the rotator cuff are damaged or swollen.

You can injure your shoulder by performing manual labor, playing sports, or even by repetitive movement. Certain diseases can bring about pain that travels to the shoulder. These include diseases of the cervical spine of the neck, as well as liver, heart, or gallbladder disease. You’re more likely to have problems with your shoulder as you grow older. It is especially common after age 60. This is because the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder tend to degenerate with age.

Other causes of shoulder pain include several forms of arthritis, torn cartilage, or a torn rotator cuff. Swelling of the bursa sacs (which protect the shoulder), or tendons can also cause pain. Some people develop bone spurs, which are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones.

To learn more about shoulder pain and what could be causing it, call Tucson Orthopaedic Institute at either the East Tucson office at (520) 784-6200, or the Northwest Tucson office at (520) 382-8200,

Search

+