What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy (PT) is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect your functional mobility. It uses a variety of treatment modalities and techniques to build strength, encourage circulation, and boost mobility.

Physical therapy is safe and well-tolerated. Clinical studies show that it speeds up your body’s natural healing process, saving you money and preventing the need for lengthy hospital stays.

What types of health problems can PT help treat?

At Spruce Health Group, the team provides physical therapy services for people who are teens on up. Some of the common health problems the team treats include:

• Ankle pain
• Elbow pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Wrist pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Fractures
• Sports injuries
• Work injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Back and neck pain
• Degenerative conditions
• Low back pain
• Postoperative care needs

The team also uses physical therapy to address knee pain. Physical therapy is a key component of the Advanced Arthritis Relief Protocol (AARP), which uses a combination of intra-articular guided knee injections in combination with physical therapy and bracing to provide a safe, Medicare-preferred alternative to knee replacement surgery.

Am I a good candidate for physical therapy?

If you experience a physical injury or illness that results in pain, physical impairment, or limited movement, you’ll likely benefit. A qualified physical therapist at Spruce Health Group can develop a custom treatment plan that addresses your needs.

During an initial evaluation, your provider conducts a physical and neurological exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. Next, they conduct a series of tests to measure your strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, and joint mobility.

After gathering this information, your provider develops a custom treatment plan to help you feel better. Throughout treatment, your provider adjusts treatment as necessary, ensuring exercises and treatment modalities align with your individual needs.

Depending on your individual needs, your provider might recommend combining physical therapy with joint injections, bracing, or regenerative medicine.

What happens during a session?

No two treatment sessions are exactly alike. Your physical therapist at Spruce Health Group uses several techniques to decrease pain and stiffness, improve motion and strength, and encourage mobility.

Usually, treatment includes a combination of strengthening exercises and stretches, functional training, and complementary modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation. Your provider may also use manual techniques like massage or myofascial release.

How long does it take to see the results?

The length of time it takes to see results depends on the severity of your injury or illness and its effect on your quality of life. Many people experience a significant improvement within a few weeks of beginning therapy. However, it can take months or even years to achieve a full recovery.

To learn more about the benefits of physical therapy, schedule an appointment at Spruce Health Group. Call the nearest office and speak with a friendly team member or book a consultation online today.