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.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Orthopedic Injury Treatment in Irvine, CA.
Hip pain can be a debilitating condition that affects your daily activities and overall quality of life. Seeking hip pain treatment from a physical therapist when it first appears can prevent further complications and improve your health and well-being. Here are four main benefits of early hip pain treatment.Early hip pain treatment can prevent further…
Physical therapy is a popular technique in sciatica pain treatment. It provides relief for many individuals experiencing discomfort and limited mobility from sciatica. While medication offers temporary pain relief, physical therapy targets the root cause of sciatica and benefits long-term health and quality of life.Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the…
Young people are just as—and, in some cases, more—prone to injuries as adults. adolescent physical therapy can help adolescents quickly and safely recover from injuries, which can range from sports-related injuries to growth plate fractures. Adopting effective strategies is important to address the unique challenges of adolescents.Each teenager is unique, with varying levels of physical…
Many people enjoy cycling as a hobby, but you might not be getting the most out of your cycling performance without the help of a physical therapist. While most of us think that we know how to properly ride, there is much to be gained from learning to ride better from a person trained in…