Physical Therapy

What is PT and why should patients participate?

Physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation designed to maintain mobility and function and improve quality of life. This is a treatment applicable to sports injuries, work injuries, and symptomatic spine of aging population. In general, the goal of physical therapy is to increase function, increase strength and flexibility, decrease pain and provide education on posture, injury prevention, and develop a home exercise program to prevent further recurrence of symptoms. Individuals who adhere to a home exercise program seem to be less symptomatic over time.

Your physiatrist will design the physical therapy program based on physical examination at our medical office, available imaging, and any applicable precautions. Exercises learned during the course of physical therapy should be continued at home or at the gym. These exercises are important to keep individuals flexible and keep their core strong and supportive in order to perform normal activities of daily living.

On your first visit to PT, your therapist will gather information about the history of your problem and the day-to-day difficulties you are having and conduct an examination. Based on information gathered, examination, and the order from your doctor, the therapy program will be designed for 6-10 visits.

PT: Lower Back

Common exercises for lumbar spine complaints include stretching exercises, dynamic stabilization exercises, core strengthening exercises and increasing overall fitness. During the course of physical therapy, additional treatments are offered. These can include soft tissue mobilization, traction, ultrasound treatment, muscle stimulator and TENS unit application, manual treatments, massage treatments and application of ice and heat. Once your pain is controlled, your range of motion is improved, and your strength is returning, you will be progressed to a final home program. Patients participate in physical therapy 2-3 times per week for total of 10-12 times before being reevaluated by their physiatrist.

PT: Neck

Common exercises for cervical spine complaints include a range of motion restoration, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and stabilization programs. Relaxation techniques, postural corrections, and workplace ergonomic advice will be incorporated in the program. During the course of physical therapy, the additional treatment offered can include ultrasound treatment, muscle stimulator, TENS unit application, manual treatments, massage treatments, and application of ice and heat. Once your pain is controlled, your range of motion is improved, and your strength is returning, you will be progressed to a final home program. Patients participate in physical therapy 2-3 times per week for a total of 10-12 times before being reevaluated by their physiatrist.