Physical therapists play an important part in rehabilitation. They focus on function and restoring of normal movement. For those who have had surgical procedures or a serious medical emergency, a physical therapist can guide you through recovery and teach you how to return to your life prior to injury.
After surgery or medical emergency, you may find it difficult to walk or lift objects and perform tasks that were once simple, like chasing clothes or using the restroom. Physical therapists can help you find easier ways to do such common tasks, and they can help you recover more rapidly from your procedure. These and many more goals can be attained with physical therapy-based post-op rehabilitation.
A team of licensed physical therapists will provide excellent personal service for patients recovering from surgery. Physical therapy may be needed before a patient can return home safely. Here are some health problems treatment may help alleviate:
Stroke - A stroke is a block or burst of the blood supply to the brain. The most important part of stroke rehab is early treatment that often starts as soon as you are admitted to your rehab hospital. Your treatment will focus on relearning how to manage daily activities. It can also help bring back lost functions and prevent further damage.
Spine Injury - -Neck and back injuries need early treatment for best results. Physical therapy and rehab for these type of injuries start as soon as possible to limit more damage, and shorten recovery time.
Joint Conditions - Joint problems cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement. They can be treated with consistent physical therapy. Therapy can ease pain and improve your range of motion. It can also teach you how to use your joints without causing more damage.
Pain - If you have severe pain in the hospital after an injury or operation or because of nerve problems, physical therapy may help was your pain. Therapy will give you exercises and activities you can do to help alleviate and reduce pain.
Other Conditions - Physical therapy can also be used to rehab from heart disease, lung problems, an infected wound, amputation, among other medical issues. Physical therapy after joint replacement surgery is also recommended to ease pain and relearn function.
What to Expect During Physical Therapy
First to determine your treatment plan, the physical therapist will perform a physical exam to assess your condition and severity of your pain. He or she will also ask about your treatment goals and will work to help you learn to cope with your pain. An effective physical therapy treatment plan is on that includes both active and passive treatments. With passive treatments, patients don’t have to actively participate in the treatment, but will learn how to relax their body with progressing through treatment.
Most programs start off with passive treatments and slowly progress to more active treatments. With active treatments, patients learn beneficial exercises to help strengthen muscles and deal with pain and symptoms. Below are a few passive therapy treatments you can expect in recovery:
Deep tissue massage - Specifically targets muscle tension caused by strains or sprains or from something more serious. The PT uses pressure to release tension in your muscles and other soft tissue
Hot and cold therapies - Heat therapy increases blood flow and brings more oxygen and nutrients to the target area, while cold therapy slows circulation, helping to reduce inflammation and pain
Ultrasound - can help reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain by increasing blood circulation. It creates a gentle heat that enhances circulation by sending sound waves deep into your muscle tissues
A PT is trained in how to restore physical mobility and function after an injury or surgery. Mobility training is one aspect of recovery PT’s will help patients with. Learning how to use walking aids to help stabilize and support the weight of your body is often a course of treatment with those recovering from injuries. Range of motion therapy will also be a focus by using workouts and other treatments to reduce muscle tension and restore motor functions to injured areas.
Technology assisted activities may also be part of your physical therapy recovery plan. Using electric stimulation to stimulate worn-down muscles by requiring them to contract can increase blood flow and reduce recovery time. Advanced technology can also help impaired limbs carry out recurring motion, assisting patients in regaining function and strength. Virtual reality can also be a tool to help with hand eye coordination and improve your ability to think and move.
Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process. Helping to ease many problems that can occur due to surgery or medical emergencies. In many cases, it is the start of a process that will continue even upon release from a rehabilitation hospital. You can drastically improve your chances of recovery by learning as much as you can about your health problem by talking with your physical therapist. There are many different treatment options to choose from. Contact Indianapolis Rehab Hospital today to learn about how we can help with your rehabilitation goals.