Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and treating disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of physical therapy is to help each patient restore the maximal level of independence. Physical therapy helps you move better, relieves pain, and speeds your recovery after surgery. Physical therapy includes various treatment options such as heat, cold, ultrasound, stimulation, and hands-on techniques such as manipulation, massage, and exercise programs. Interventions in physical therapy may include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices, equipment, and physical agents.
Your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan specifically for your needs. The physical therapist will first manage your pain and swelling, then will work with you to increase your flexibility, strength, coordination, endurance, and/or balance.
Physical therapy may be recommended for patients with the following conditions:
- Back and neck pain
- Spine and joint conditions
- Sports-related injuries
- Neurological conditions
Physical therapists treat patients with common, minor conditions as well as those with very severe conditions. The therapist recommends effective strategies for managing even the most complex physical complications.
Click on the topics below to learn more about them from the website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Conditioning Program
- Shoulder Surgery Exercise Guide
- Hip Conditioning Program
- Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide
- Activities After a Knee Replacement
- Knee Arthroscopy Exercise Guide
- Knee Conditioning Program
- Knee Exercises
- Total Knee Replacement Exercise Guide
- Foot and Ankle Conditioning Program
- Spine Basics
- Back Pain in Children
- Low Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Neck Sprain
- Low Back Pain Exercise Guide
- Spine Conditioning Program
- Sprains, Strains and Other Soft Tissue Injuries
- Exercise and Arthritis (video)
- Exercise and Bone and Joint Conditions
- Managing Arthritis Pain With Exercise
- Safe Exercise
- Flexibility Exercises for Young Athletes
- Exercise and Bone Health
- Aerobic Exercise
- Seniors and Exercise: Starting an Exercise Program
- Starting an Exercise Program
- Why Exercise?