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Importance of Physical Therapy in Orthopedic Care

Importance of Physical Therapy in Orthopedic Care



Importance of Physical Therapy in Orthopedic Care

Orthopedic injuries, conditions, and surgeries can significantly affect a runner’s mobility, performance, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, orthopedic rehabilitation and physical therapy are critical to restoring function, reducing pain, and speeding recovery. Recurrent pain and reduced physical function are common issues that can be effectively addressed with sports orthopedic services. Working with a physical therapist (PT) can be key to quickly resuming your previous level of physical strength and independence.

Sports and orthopedic services are among the most helpful and cost-effective ways to treat and prevent many orthopedic diseases and injuries. These treatments can also reduce or eliminate the need for medications and surgeries. As medical professionals, physiotherapists are trained to make their patients feel better, allowing them to regain or maintain previous levels of physical fitness

Understanding Orthopedic Care

If you’ve been injured or have a condition affecting your musculoskeletal system, orthopedic physical therapy may be instrumental in your healing process. The musculoskeletal system includes your muscles, bones, and all the connective tissues (such as tendons, ligaments, and joints) that hold them together. Sports and orthopedic therapy services aim to enhance a person’s range of motion and strength through various methods, including:

  • Improving flexibility
  • Reducing swelling and stiffness
  • Strengthening muscles
  • Enhancing balance and stability
  • Alleviating pain
  • Facilitating proper recovery after surgical procedures

As you progress through treatment, your ability to feel better and return to your regular activities will improve gradually.

Common orthopedic conditions and injuries

Many disorders impact our body's musculoskeletal system and require clinical care by a physician.

  • Torn ligaments
  • Bone fractures
  • Overuse injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow)
  • Arthritis
  • Painful joints (knees, hips, elbows, shoulders)
  • Joint replacements
  • Amputations
  • Stroke recovery
  • Orthopedic surgeries

Diagnose Physical Conditions:

Common orthopedic examinations include bone densitometry, skeletal scintigraphy, discography, myelography, and electromyography. The majority of these tests rely on established technologies, such as X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, and computed tomography. Other tests, like flexibility tests, stress tests, muscle testing, and gait analysis, may be used to determine range of motion or anomalies in skeletal alignment or muscle function.

Create Treatment Plans

Patients receive a personalized care plan tailored to their injuries, health conditions and specific aspects of their skeletal system, and these plans often incorporate therapeutic exercises rather than relying solely on medication.

In physical therapy, “movement therapy” means that treatment plans generally include strengthening of damaged muscles and tendons to help restore function. Exercise specialists can also incorporate pain relief techniques into exercise programmes and relieve symptoms such as transcutaneous electro nerve stimulation (TENS).

The Importance of Exercise for Orthopedic Health

Orthopedic issues, such as pain in the shoulders, back, hips, or ankles, can lead to serious bone and joint problems, causing chronic pain and making daily tasks difficult. Exercise is crucial in preventing and managing these issues. Below are some benefits of physical activity and recommended easy exercises for orthopedic patients.

Managing Arthritis

Engaging in joint-friendly physical exercises can significantly reduce pain, improve function, enhance mood, and boost the quality of life for individuals with arthritis. Recommended low-impact aerobic activities include:

  • Brisk walking
  • Cycling
  • Swimming
  • Water aerobics
  • Light gardening
  • Group fitness programs
  • Dance

Alleviating Joint Pain

Exercise can reduce joint pain and discomfort, fight fatigue, and improve overall health without causing joint damage when performed correctly. Orthopedic exercises, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, can enhance the quality of life.

Relieving Back Pain

For individuals with low back pain, maintaining physical activity and engaging in regular exercise are vital. Exercises that build core strength, along with specific poses from yoga, Pilates, and tai chi, have been shown to be beneficial.

Recovering from Sports Injuries

Proper movement through rehabilitative exercises promotes healing by boosting circulation and blood flow. These exercises prevent further injury, reduce inflammation, and help avoid complications like scar formation that can hinder mobility and healing.

Incorporating these exercises into a daily routine can greatly improve orthopedic health and overall well-being.

Methods of Physical Therapy in Orthopedic Care

Orthopedic surgeons use a variety of therapies, exercises, assistive devices and patient education techniques to effectively manage your condition

Heat/Cold Therapy: Osteopaths use both cryotherapy (cold therapy) and heat therapy (heat therapy) to reduce musculoskeletal pain and inflammation

Exercise Therapy: Your therapist will design an exercise program that focuses on improving strength, mobility, or balance. Initially, it is recommended that you exercise under the supervision of your doctor to ensure that you are in excellent shape before continuing on yourself.

Traction: Traction, which may involve specialized equipment or manual techniques used by a therapist, helps with joint dislocations or soft injuries, which is especially useful for neck and back pain or lumbar disc degeneration.

Aquatic therapy: If you consider it beneficial, your treatment plan may include hydrotherapy using a swimming pool. The absorbency of the water reduces joint pressure, making it ideal for individuals with joint problems or injuries.

Soft Tissue Manipulation: Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue manipulation target muscles, ligaments and fascia to break down adhesions and improve muscle function, which is often recommended for pain relief and muscle relaxation

Joint mobilization: This manual technique requires controlled but vigorous movements by the practitioner to improve joint function, similar to soft tissue manipulation

Dry needling: Compared to acupuncture, dry needling involves the insertion of tiny needles into the stimulus to relieve tension or discomfort, although its exact benefits require further study

Laser or Light Therapy: Low-level laser or light therapy may be used by orthopedic physical therapists to improve muscle function, reduce fatigue, and facilitate muscle healing post-injury.

Kinesiology Taping: Utilizing stretchy cloth bands, kinesiology tape is applied to trouble spots on the body to alleviate pain and enhance mobility, offering a colorful and versatile therapeutic option.

Conclusion

When selecting an orthopedic clinic, factors like insurance coverage, proximity to home, modern equipment, and treatment outcomes are key considerations. Opting for a facility accessible from your residence ensures convenience, while assessing the clinic's equipment and success rates aids in making an informed decision. Prioritize your needs and arrange a meeting with the chosen facility to narrow down your options effectively.

When considering orthopedic rehabilitation, factors like insurance coverage, proximity to home, modern equipment, and successful treatment outcomes are crucial. At Gargash Hospital, our physiotherapy department is dedicated to facilitating healing for those recovering from sports injuries and accidents. We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs, incorporating modalities like heat therapy, electrotherapy, cryotherapy, and therapeutic ultrasonography. Our goal is to alleviate pain, promote healing, restore mobility, and enhance overall well-being, assisting patients on their road to recovery and improving their quality of life.