Physical Therapy
FAQs on Physical Therapy Denver Clinics Hear All the TimeEliminating back pain can be very challenging, and studies show that over 80% of American adults have experienced lower back pain at some time in their life. Physical therapy can be very effective in eliminating pain and pain symptoms as an alternative to, or follow plan after, a surgery.
Using targeted, focused strength and movement training procedures, physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment for the recovery of full function and mobility in joints and muscles. To promote healing, reduce pain, and restore a full range of motion for the patient, physical therapy helps return a patient to normal activity.
Many conditions can benefit from physical therapy:
- Inflammation of the joints
- tendonitis
- Spinal problems
- Degenerative disc and joint disease
- Post-Surgical rehabilitation
- Injury or tears in the muscle, tendons, or ligaments
- Myofascial pain
- Arthritis
- Lumbar pain
- Sports injuries
What types of physical therapy are there?
In many instances, PT may be provided in combination with other medical or alternative therapies. Physical rehabilitation technicians may provide physiotherapy services in addition to a therapist or PTA (physical therapist assistant).
Manual therapy – Manual therapies treat musculoskeletal pain and disabilities by manipulation of muscles, kneading of muscles, joint manipulation or joint mobilization in a “hands-on” approach. Many studies show manual therapy can be more effective than exercise for inflammatory disorders and joint pain (Manual Therapy, 2010).
Occupational and hand therapy – The ASSH lists occupational and hand therapy as a specialized type of rehabilitation provided on the upper extremities or hands of patients by a physical therapist with an advanced degree of certification to enable patients to return to a productive lifestyle.
Aquatic therapy – Using the resistance of water, as opposed to weights, Aquatic therapy is a rehabilitation performed in the water. It is for chronically affected patients, or patients that have not been successful with traditional therapies. Water can be beneficial for patients with disorders of weight bearing joints, and recommended to increase blood flow with tight or spasming muscles, or a way to improve cardiovascular performance.
Workmans compensation claims – Claims that need a schedule or to adhere to workman’s compensation guidelines can be addressed by our occupational therapists.
Sports medicine – Sports injuries require specialized therapy that deal with fitness and prevention of injuries due to athletics and exercise related injuries. The late 20th century has seen a soar in Sports medicine and become a specialized branch of medicine, according to the (AOSSM) American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Common sports injuries may include:
- Shin Splints or inflammatory disorder
- Ankle sprains from overstretching ligaments and fractures
- ACL sprains and ruptures
- Muscle cramps, tears, and spasms
(EMG) Electromyography and nerve conduction Electrodiagnostic needle testing measuring the electrical activity of the muscles when contracting and relaxing to neurodiagnose nerve-related conditions, such as:
- Carpel tunnel Syndrome
- Pinched nerves
- Muscle disease
- Herniated discs or compressed nerves
In addition to administering physical therapies, our therapists are certified and trained to assist and fit custom splints and braces, orthotics, and consult on adaptive equipment.