Do you suffer a musculoskeletal problem? You may have pain or lack mobility in your bones, joints, muscles, or ligaments. If so, you may be a candidate for orthopedic therapy (or orthopedic physical therapy) to relieve pain and improve function. At Physical Therapy & Injury Specialists, Englewood, CO, we specialize in evaluating patients for possible orthopedic conditions and arriving at a treatment and therapy solution for you.
What is orthopedic therapy? How does it work?
Orthopedic therapy is a branch of therapy that cares for certain musculoskeletal issues. It can care for all sorts of issues with bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and more. Compared to regular physical therapy, this care is more focused. It involves people with extra training in orthopedics. Furthermore, it tends to address specific issues following orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic therapy involves regular sessions where you meet with a healthcare expert. The therapist will guide you through exercises and treatments. They might apply ice to joints or massage muscles. Often, they suggest movements that make it easier to do daily tasks. You might also get advice on exercises to do at home.
Ultimately, this treatment focuses on giving you the healthiest bones, muscles, and joints possible. It’s often used right after surgery, but some people also get this care at other times. It works by helping your body move as well as it can.
Who is an ideal candidate for orthopedic therapy?
Overall, this care is most commonly recommended for people who have just had surgery. However, it’s also useful in other situations. For example, some people with chronic arthritis or degenerative joint issues might use it. Usually, to qualify as a candidate for this care, you need to meet these requirements:
- Be able to commit to regular visits with a therapist
- Have a problem with a joint, muscle, or bone
- Be willing to work with a therapist and follow their advice
- Have a diagnosis of your condition if possible
What are the benefits? How well does it work?
Orthopedic therapy provides a variety of benefits to patients. It works so well that most people who try it are satisfied. Studies show that 98% of people who try it say it helped them. Here are some of the many ways that this treatment benefits patients:
- Reduced pain
- Less swelling
- More range of motion
- Lower risk of damage in the future
- Rehab after surgery or injury
- Better flexibility
Reference: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Orthopedic physical therapy is effective for the treatment and prevention of muscular and skeletal conditions such as:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Joint Replacement
- Bursitis/ Tendinitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow/golfers elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Post-arthroscopic surgery
- Knee pain / patellofemoral syndrome
- Piriformis syndrome
- TMJ syndrome
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
TREATMENT consists of specialized, individual care including:
- Joint mobilizations/manipulations
- Therapeutic exercise training for strength, flexibility, balance, and core stabilization
- Trigger point dry needling
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Sport-specific exercise training
The following MODALITIES may also be utilized:
- Electrical stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Hot/cold therapy
- Trigger point dry needling
Treatment will include EDUCATION on self-care during recovery and future injury prevention.
Does insurance pay for orthopedic therapy?
Usually, this is a type of care that your insurance will pay for, especially if your doctor told you to get it after surgery. It’s like any other healthcare. Some plans require you to pay a copay or a small fee, while others cover the entire cost. Check with your plan to see how much they will pay.
How to get started
Our Metro Denver physical therapists will design a multimodality treatment program tailored for your injury or medical condition to achieve maximum functional ability and return you to your work, sport, and life. Contact Physical Therapy & Injury Specialists (PTIS) today in Englewood, CO, at our physical therapy clinic on Pearl Street or South Maroon to schedule an appointment.