Orthopedic Therapy: Improving Your Movement and Performance

Orthopedic therapy is used to improve the movement and function of your joints. Joints are considered orthopedic joints when they are surrounded by bone on all sides, including the top and bottom. These joints can be in your hand, feet, spine, hip, or knee. Orthopedic therapies may include techniques such as heat and ice application and massage. They may also involve exercises that help strengthen muscles around the joint while improving flexibility and range of motion.

Uses for orthopedic therapy

You may want to consider orthopedic therapy if you are experiencing problems with your joints or muscles. Orthopedic problems can include stiff and painful joints, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, strains, and sprains. For these, therapy is a proactive measure that can help safeguard against future premature deterioration.

Orthopedic therapy can also help you recover from injuries that affect the range of motion in these areas. For example, some people who have had a stroke may benefit from orthopedic therapy because it can help keep their joints flexible and active. The same is true if you have knee or hip injuries that affect your ability to walk.

Orthopedic therapy is also a perfect option if you are an athlete and need to get back to your sport after injury. Sports such as skiing, rowing, golfing, running, gymnastics, and cheerleading require the use of several different joint areas in order for you to participate at high levels. Recovering quickly can be crucial to success.

This type of therapy is also a must if you are undergoing surgery. Orthopedic surgery is often focused on joints. For example, knee or hip replacements involve replacing the entire joint with an artificial one to help you function better and relieve pain. Orthopedic therapy may be required after these surgeries so that your new joint can properly heal.

What to expect

When beginning orthopedic therapy, you will have a session with your orthopedist to discuss the benefits and risks associated with this treatment. Your doctor can also help determine if there are any concerns about prior injuries or conditions that may affect whether you should do physical therapy after surgery.

Typically, these sessions take 30-60 minutes and involve various treatments such as dry needling, ultrasound treatments, and therapeutic exercises. Some of these therapies involve the application of heat or cold to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Other techniques may include deep tissue massage that helps release tight muscles around your joints.

During a session, you will be required to move around as needed in order for your therapist to determine the optimal treatment for you. The goal is to help improve your flexibility, reduce inflammation and pain, and eventually help you return back to work or home so that you can resume a normal schedule.

Treatments may take several weeks before they start having an effect on your mobility and activity levels. In some cases, this type of therapy has shown to make a significant difference in pain levels within the first two weeks.

If you are suffering from joint or muscle concerns, orthopedic therapy can help alleviate your discomfort and get you back on track. To learn more about orthopedic therapy and whether it’s right for you, make sure to refer to online resources like Rehab.com for more information.