A physical therapist can help improve and manage orthopedic injuries. Through orthopedic injury treatment, these healthcare providers can work to restore mobility and strength to the affected bone or joint. How they achieve this will be tailored to the patient and their specific injury.
An orthopedic injury is an injury that affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Trauma to the body during a sports injury or auto accident is typically the cause. Examples of common orthopedic injuries include sprains, dislocations, and bone fractures.
Forceful or repetitive movements can also cause these injuries, such as with a sports hernia, impingement syndrome (swimmer’s shoulder), shin splints, patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), and carpal tunnel syndrome. This type of orthopedic injury is often referred to as an overuse injury because it results from the overuse of a particular joint or tendon.
Physical therapy is an effective way to treat and manage the symptoms of an orthopedic injury. A physical therapist can create a custom orthopedic treatment plan based on the type, location, and severity of the injury. Common components of such plans include the following.
The physical therapist will first focus on relieving any pain and discomfort associated with the orthopedic injury. To reduce swelling and inflammation, icing the area (and, later, warming it with a heating pad) will likely be advised. In addition, they may provide professional advice on over-the-counter pain relief, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Stretches can also help relieve pain from certain injuries. Wrist bends, for example, can help with carpal tunnel pain, while rest improves shin splint pain. The physical therapist will teach patients if, how, and when to stretch the affected area for maximum pain relief.
This is the cornerstone of any orthopedic injury treatment plan. The physical therapist will create a workout plan that gradually restores mobility to the injured area and strengthens it to prevent it from becoming injured again. Exercises will differ depending on the injury. However, they will always start slow and gradually increase in intensity. The physical therapist may incorporate exercise bands and weights as treatment progresses.
Note that a physical therapist may use a wide variety of exercises and stretches as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Child’s pose and wall presses are often used for swimmer’s shoulder. On the other hand, straight-leg raises and half-squats are recommended for jumper’s knee.
Electrical muscle stimulation (e-stim) may be performed in combination with strength and mobility training. According to Verywell Health, e-stim is a therapeutic method in which a low current of electricity is sent through the affected area to alleviate pain and stimulate healing. The physical therapist will apply the electrodes on top of the skin and turn on the machine for about five to 15 minutes. Patients should only feel a slight tingling.
With orthopedic injury treatment, patients can rehabilitate the affected area and get back to what matters most to them. Contact a physical therapist at Orange County Physical Therapy OCPT, Inc. to learn more. We help patients in the Irvine area.
Request an appointment here: https://irvine.ocptclinic.com or call Orange County Physical Therapy OCPT, Inc. at (949) 777-5301 for an appointment in our Irvine office.
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