Physical therapy is a medical service provided by a therapist to:
* combat the cumulative disabling effects of physical illness
* minimize residual physical disabilities
* hasten convalescence and reduce hospitalization
* contribute to the comfort and well-being of the patient
* help the patient return to optimum living within his capacity
The professional therapist is concerned with the treatment of disease, injury, disability and functional rehabilitation, by means of such physical agents as heat, cold, light, electricity, sound, massage, therapeutic exercise and certain manual or electrical diagnostic and prognostic tests and measurements.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are also concerned with therapeutic teaching, as it is usually necessary to instruct patients and/or family in therapeutic exercise, in the use of various orthopedic and prosthetic appliances, self-help devices, instructional materials and in other home treatment methods.
Soft Tissue Injuries
A muscle, tendon or ligament tear can lead to bleeding beneath the skin. The degree of bleeding affects the amount of swelling and recovery time. Knowing when to use cold compression, bandaging, heat and massage can have an impact. Clinical treatment with thermal and electrical methods will speed your healing and your return to normal activities.
Inflammatory Conditions
These injuries are commonly the result of the overuse of a body part which causes tendon and ligament tissue to become irritated. This type of injury can cause painful movement in that body part and may even be painful while at rest. Your independent care and the use of our suggested procedures and exercises can accelerate your recovery. Your physician may have also prescribed medications to reduce the inflammation.
Neurological Injuries
A wide variety of neurological injuries and progressive neurological diseases can develop, including stroke, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis and nerve damage. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) causes pain and dysfunction after some traumatic injuries. These conditions often result in pain or numbness, and loss of strength daily functions and mobility. Physical therapists use techniques to restore normal function, control pain and improve strength and reflexes and suggest adaptive equipment to overcome disabilities.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
After orthopedic or general surgery there can be a need for treatment to reduce inflammation, gait problems, impaired range of motion, muscle weakness or pain and restore normal movement patterns around the joint affected by surgery or the original pre-surgical condition. The careful progression of exercises and activities after joint surgeries are directed by a physical therapist to accelerate healing and yet protect surgically repaired tissues.
Chronic Pain and Stress Related Pain
Many times pain persists for months or years following injuries. Difficulty in managing stress factors may cause postural weaknesses that can lead to headaches, musculoskeletal irritation, and long term shortening of muscles. Specific techniques and exercise can be taught and treatment can be administered to reduce the frequency and intensity of these personal battles with pain.
Muscle Imbalances and Postural Defects
Occasionally, people suffer from postural weakness and muscular strength imbalances. These problems may effect joints and produce irregular curves of the spine or excess joint stress and dysfunction that can lead to chronic pain. These may be treated through consistent exercise to change muscle strength and to lessen the chance of irritation.
Athletic and Sports Related Injuries
Both professional and recreational athletes may suffer injuries that can be treated with an emphasis on minimizing recovery time. With many injuries, specific treatment and exercise may decrease the recovery time. The development of strength, flexibility, coordination and reflexes of the injured part should lead to complete recovery.
Geriatric Rehabilitation
Twenty four years of Medicare participation has given us a unique perspective and commitment to the management of all geriatric physical therapy needs.
Aquatic Physical Therapy
Our partnership provides therapeutic exercise in the healing and forgiving medium of the Wheat Ridge Recreational Center pools for Aquatic Rehabilitation.
