What kinds of injuries can benefit from physical therapy and massage?
Injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system can benefit from physical therapy and massage. These could include slip-and-fall accidents, sports injuries, work-related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, falling object injuries, and injuries that develop as a result of repetitive use or overuse.
How can physical therapy help?
A physical therapist will help a patient to recover from an injury or address a painful area and will then instruct the patient home-care techniques for continued care. Physical therapists are specially trained to help patients to improve the movement and function and to relieve pain. Physical therapy is a combination of massage, manipulation and exercise used when pain impairs function, when recovering from surgery or an injury, and when recovering from a disease or illness. The treatments include education for the patient about their body and improving function, exercises and the use of other techniques to reduce pain and improve functionality.
What kinds of treatment will be used?
The treatment will depend on the type and extent of the injury. Physical therapists have a range of procedures and treatments at their disposal to help patients to recover from personal injuries. These treatments include:
- Exercise and stretching programs can be employed to rebuild damaged muscles as well as keep the surrounding muscles and tissues supple and strong to provide adequate support.
- Joint mobilization may be used to maintain or rebuild the range of motion if the injury affected a joint. This could be helpful with shoulder and elbow injuries as well as for treatment of knee injuries.
- Laser therapy can help to stimulate soft tissue healing and provide pain relief. It is also known to help improve range of motion.
- Massage therapy not only can relieve tension and muscular pain, but it also improves circulation, which helps the body to transport nutrient and oxygen rich blood to the injured part to stimulate the body’s natural healing ability.
What Should I Wear to a Physical Therapy Appointment?
Exercise appropriate clothing and shoes are best for physical therapy appointments. The clothing worn should either keep the affected area exposed or be loose enough to easily expose the area which is being addressed.
