What Does Physical Therapy Do?

Have you ever been in an accident and undergone physical therapy? If so, you know just how vital this type of treatment can be. Physical Therapy by Phoenix helps people recover from injuries and illnesses and can also help improve the quality of life for people with chronic conditions.

Read on to understand how physical therapy works and how people will benefit from this treatment.

Common Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy

Fractures

A broken bone must be properly mended and monitored to ensure proper healing. Physical therapy can help with this by ensuring that the patient is using the right equipment for their injury and helping them regain movement and strength in the affected area. A physical therapist in Wichita will also help a patient develop a plan to prevent future fractures.

It may include:

• Exercises to improve bone density and muscle strength
• Proper nutrition for bone health
• Balance training to prevent falls
• Recommendations for equipment, such as canes or walkers

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Physical therapy can help relieve symptoms by strengthening the forearm muscles and improving wrist flexibility. A physical therapist in Wichita may also recommend ergonomic changes to how you use your hands to prevent further irritation.

Treatment methods include:

• Exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility
• Ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation
• Electrical stimulation to relieve pain
• Ergonomic training

Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatments may be provided daily, weekly, or monthly.

Amputations

After a person has had an amputation, they will need to learn how to live with their new body. It can be a difficult and emotional time for them. Physical Therapy by Phoenix is an integral part of their recovery.

Prosthetic devices like artificial limbs can help people with amputations regain some level of mobility. Physical therapists work with patients to ensure the devices fit properly and teach them how to use them. They also work with people who have had other types of surgery that affect the musculoskeletal system.

Spinal Cord Injury

These injuries happen when the spinal cord is damaged. It can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and problems with bowel and bladder control. Physical Therapy by Phoenix can help people with spinal cord injuries regain movement and function.

Spinal injuries can be treated by:

• Strengthening muscles
• Improving range of motion
• Increasing flexibility
• Improving mobility
• Managing pain
• Preventing further injury

Therapists will often use a combination of these techniques to create an individualized treatment plan for each person.

Sports Injuries

Athletes are often injured while playing their respective sports. Physical therapists can help athletes recover from these injuries and improve their performance.

Some common injuries that physical therapists treat with sports-specific physical therapy in Wichita include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Ankle sprains
• Groin pulls
• Hamstring strains
• Knee injuries, such as ACL tears and patellar tendonitis
• Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears and impingement syndrome

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to treat these injuries, including:

• joint mobilization
• massage
• strengthening exercises
• taping
• ultrasound therapy

If you want to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion, you might want to try Physical Therapy by Phoenix. We are here to help you heal from an injury, recover from surgery, or manage a chronic disease.