Physical therapy treatments are an excellent option for people whose quality of life has been affected by injuries or who are recovering from surgery. Similar to other medical care professionals, physical therapists use a wide range of treatments to help patients restore mobility and decrease pain and inflammation. Physical therapy also effectively increases endurance, strength, and range of motion.

Physiotherapy has undergone many changes in recent years, and physical therapists now help with a broader range of rehabilitation. As medical technology becomes more specialized, doctors are now able to restore capability and mobility to people who never would have had that chance before. Physical therapy has evolved to complement these recent advancements. Ranging from helping an injured person relearn how to walk to rehabilitating wounded veterans using their new prosthetic limbs, the field of PT is now more comprehensive than ever. 

Even with extensive evolution in physiotherapy, the basics still play an essential role. Exercises, stretching, massage therapy, and hot and cold treatments form the core of physical therapy. This article explores the various types of physical therapy and how they assist rehabilitation.

Rehabilitative Physical Therapy

Physical rehabilitation is crucial for recovering from major surgery. Usually starting while the patient is still in the hospital, it continues after discharge. Rehabilitative physical therapy helps patients relearn how to move after an injury and perform simple tasks around the house.

Sports injuries are common among athletes of all ages, regardless of their sport. Physical rehab for athletes after an injury is almost always necessary. 

During physical rehabilitation, you will focus mainly on simple exercises to increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion. These exercises help strengthen muscles and help patients recover from underuse of their muscles after injury or surgery. 

While there are many facilities providing physical therapy treatment in Orlando, it is crucial to select the best one according to your injury and needs. A good physical therapist will explain how often to exercise and be available to answer any questions. They will also inform you about proper body mechanics while exercising to avoid further injury or pain. In case of discomfort, while performing the exercises, they will help them determine how to help you complete the treatment with ease. 

Occupational Physical Therapy

Occupational physical therapy usually follows a work-related accident or a repetitive-use injury. It is designed to teach patients how to perform a job properly. This includes maneuvers like lifting from the knees rather than with the back, standing up from a desk and taking regular walks, as well as performing work activities with the proper posture.

Occupational therapy is a general wellness-type approach to physical therapy that focuses on improving total health and complete rehabilitation. Physiologists aim to treat a person holistically rather than focus solely on an injured body part in occupational physical therapy treatments. Injury Assistance Network helps you avoid the hassle of looking for a physical therapist in Orlando with the necessary exercise equipment and weights in their facilities to assist your rehabilitation.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on therapy is helpful for restoring flexibility and mobility in the muscles. Manual therapy also helps improve the range of motion and decrease pain. A physical therapist may use different massage techniques that increase blood circulation and reduce muscle tension. The treatment may also comprise manipulating trigger points, stretching the muscles, and mobilization to move joints in different directions.

Traditional manual massage techniques are also incorporated into physical therapy to treat injured or painful muscles and joints. Therapists may also teach patients how to stretch and massage injured areas themselves to maintain the benefits received from physical therapy on their own. 

Manual therapy also uses hot and cold therapy to treat injuries. Your physical therapist may use heat therapy to increase blood flow to the treatment area and to relax the muscles before beginning a physical therapy exercise. 

Cold therapy helps decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain in an injured area. It is generally used for acute injuries or swollen joints. 

Physical therapy center near me

Physical therapy aims to foster holistic healing and help a patient regain control of an area of the body that is injured or hurting. It can also help you delay or even avoid surgery altogether.

If you are interested in consulting a physical therapist in Orlando to treat your injury or improve your quality of life, Injury Assistance Network would love to help you connect with a facility that caters to your needs. 

Conclusion

Your physical therapist can help you to attain results quickly while also providing comfort and pain relief. Keep in mind that seeking timely treatment is vital to recovering the spring in your step you’ve lost. Stay motivated during the treatment and keep going. Soon you’ll find yourself returning to the way you were before, and maybe even better!