What is the best way to recover from a surgery or injury? Can you accomplish your activities of daily living? Are you afraid of falling? If you have recently had surgery, or are preparing for surgery, these questions can be addressed through outpatient physical therapy at H2 Health. Our highly qualified physical therapists can assess your needs and customize a program to strengthen your body and improve independent movement.

Read on to learn more about outpatient physical therapy and if it is the right choice for you.

What Is Outpatient Physical Therapy?

Outpatient physical therapy helps people recover their best health and function without having to stay in a hospital or rehabilitation facility. This form of rehabilitation focuses on improving physical mobility and reducing pain through exercise, manual therapy, and strategies that help you feel good and function well.

Outpatient therapy is typically provided in a clinic or health facility, allowing patients to return home after each of their outpatient sessions.

What Conditions Does Outpatient Physical Therapy Treat?

Outpatient physical therapy is highly versatile. It helps improve the health of your muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, nerves, bones and more. Physical therapy can address a wide range of conditions such as:

• Musculoskeletal injuries, including strains, sprains, fractures, and other issues.

• Post-operative rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility after surgery or injury.

• Chronic pain management for conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

• Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

• Sports injuries (and how to avoid them through safer and more efficient training and play)

Physical therapy also can prepare you for surgery, such as knee or shoulder replacement surgery. This kind of outpatient therapy is called prehabilitation. It helps strengthen your musculoskeletal system and overall endurance before you endure the rigors of a surgical procedure.

Who Can Benefit from Outpatient Physical Therapy?

Outpatient physical therapy can benefit anyone who has difficulty with basic physical movements due to injury, acute or chronic illness, advanced age, or surgery. This can include individuals recovering from joint replacements, sports injuries, stroke, or conditions such as arthritis.

Senior adults also may benefit from outpatient physical therapy as it can improve balance, strength, and endurance and reduce the risk of serious falls.

How to Determine if You Need Outpatient Therapy

If you are experiencing any physical limitations that impact your daily activities or quality of life, you may benefit from physical therapy. These limitations can include difficulty walking, standing, lifting objects, or participating in sports or recreational activities.

If you are unsure if outpatient physical therapy is right for you, consult with your primary care physician or a licensed physical therapist to discuss your options. Your input is essential in determining your best treatment plan, so be honest and clear about your concerns and perceived challenges.

What Can I Expect During Outpatient Physical Therapy?

Here is what you can expect during your outpatient physical therapy sessions:

Consultation and Evaluation

During an outpatient therapy session, you can expect to work with a team of trained professionals who will assess and address your specific health needs. They will conduct a functional capacity evaluation, or FCE, and use real-time measurements to learn more about your current physical abilities, such as your:

• Functional capacity

• Range of motion

• Ability to perform certain movements and tasks

Based on the results of your FCE, your treatment plan may include exercises, stretches, manual therapy techniques, assistive devices, and other interventions tailored to your condition and desired therapeutic goals. The frequency and duration of sessions may vary depending on the severity of your condition and progress made during therapy.

Education and Rehabilitation Techniques

If you do begin therapy, always communicate openly with your physical therapist about how your plan is working for you and about any concerns you may have about your progress. During your sessions, your therapist will teach you about your condition and show you ways to manage it outside of the physical therapy clinic. You will learn tips for proper body mechanics, home exercises, and modifications to daily activities to prevent further injury and improve function.

Our goal is to help you regain strength and free, independent movement so that you can return to your job and home responsibilities safely. Your outpatient physical therapist will also help you learn how to manage pain without needing to consistently rely on heavy pain medications.

Encouragement and Support

Finally, our physical therapists strive to provide a supportive and caring environment. Outpatient physical therapy should help you feel comfortable and respected. You can ask questions and talk with your provider about the best way to achieve your recovery goals.

Outpatient Physical Therapy Near Me

At H2 Health, we offer several physical rehabilitation services, including physical therapy. We invite you and your healthcare provider to consider us for your recovery after surgery or injury.

Call our office team today for an in-depth consultation with our physical therapy experts. We have locations across the United States. Contact us at (800) 699-9395 or request your appointment here. We look forward to helping you enjoy better wellness and independence!