Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions, some of which you may not expect. As a highly versatile treatment, physical therapy can be used on practically every body area for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Below are just some of the most common injuries that are treated using physical therapy.
Low Back Pain
Low back pain affects many Americans and is among the most common conditions treated by physical therapists. Low back pain is often caused by car accident injuries, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, and wear and tear arthritis caused by overuse through the years.
Physical therapy for low back pain typically involves exercises designed specifically for strengthening core muscles, which help support the spine, while also increasing flexibility to reduce stiffness associated with chronic conditions like arthritis or disc degeneration. These exercises are often combined with stretching techniques that focus on loosening the tight muscles surrounding the spine, which helps improve overall posture and reduces the stress placed on vertebral joints during movements throughout daily life.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is quite common due to its vulnerability when compared to other parts of the body. It can be very easy to strain your neck through everyday activities, like prolonged periods sitting at a computer or working on your laptop without giving it the proper support. Neck injuries sustained through sports play, car accidents, and incorrect sleeping are also common causes of neck pain.
Physical therapists often employ treatments such as stretching, light exercises, and heat therapy, combined with cervical traction devices, to relieve neck stiffness caused by overuse and straining of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the area.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome causes pain and discomfort in the shoulder due to inflammation of soft tissues and part of the scapula rubbing against the rotator cuff, brought on by repeated overhead motions with the arms.
Physical therapists usually recommend stretching and strengthening exercises tailored for individuals who have been diagnosed with this disorder. The stretches focus primarily on increasing flexibility across all related muscle groups while maintaining correct form during movement patterns. Strengthening exercises also build up the support structures in the shoulder, lowering the risk of injury. Additionally, ultrasound or electrical stimulation is also used to increase circulation, while helping relax the overly tense muscle fibers in the shoulders.
Tendonitis/Tendinopathy
Tendonitis (also referred to as tendinosis) occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse or repetitive motion activities. It commonly affects areas such as the elbow (tennis elbow), wrist (de Quervain’s disease), ankle (Achilles tendinosis), and shoulder (rotator cuff).
Physical therapists use manual therapies like joint mobilization in combination with strengthening exercises for those suffering from this condition to improve their range of motion, while decreasing pain levels, so they can safely return to activities without fear of injury recurrence.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles located around the shoulder blade that provide stability during movement by controlling how far your arm moves away from your body when you lift it up overhead. As you get older, these muscles become weaker, leaving them vulnerable to tearing.
The first step of physical therapy for a rotator cuff tear involves assessing how much range of motion has been lost. Once this is determined, the therapist will develop an individualized program that may include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises using bands, and ultrasound treatment, combined with cold therapy and massage therapy, among other things. The goal is to improve mobility, restore normal function, and relieve discomfort associated with a rotator cuff tear.
Physical Therapy Services in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia
The physical therapy team at H2 Health treats a wide range of health conditions and injuries that limit movement and affect independence. We regularly see patients with the above-mentioned conditions, as well as those with headaches, TMJ, lymphedema, neurological conditions, and so much more.
We are committed to helping you achieve your full potential and are proud to bring together qualified professionals to deliver comprehensive care. For patients with sports injuries, we have highly skilled and licensed athletic trainers who can be a part of your treatment and rehabilitation team. To find out if physical therapy is right for you, schedule a complimentary screening. To schedule your visit, call our office today at (800) 699-9395, or use our convenient online request form.
