Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is an integral part of most people's recovery from injuries.

It is also beneficial to treating chronic conditions such as arthritis. Whether treating an acute injury, that just occurred, or a chronic condition, the need for PT is central to restoring and maintaining function. The specific type of therapy will depend on the condition and the length of time that has evolved since the condition started. An acute injury that has occurred within the past 4-6 weeks will require a different treatment plan than a chronic or an ongoing arthritic condition.

When an acute injury occurs, the muscles may be strained or bruised.

A brief period of rest and the use of "modalities" such as heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation will help soothe the muscles and help them to recover more quickly. As the torn muscle fibers begin to heal, stretching and strengthening exercises aid in the return to normal function. A well designed maintenance program of aerobic and resistive exercise will help prevent further injuries from occurring.

Chronic conditions have usually been present for months or years rather than days or weeks.

The muscles may have atrophied from disuse, a common response to chronic pain. The muscles are over stressed on a repetitive basis trying to maintain a normal life style. A vicious cycle is created with pain, disuse, and muscle atrophy. This may result in a condition know as "Chronic Pain Syndrome"

It is the goal of our physical therapists to work in concert with your physician to design an exercise program that is individualized, safe and effective.

Some patients can do well with just a few sessions to establish an independent exercise program, while others require two to three sessions per week in our gym to attain maximum improvement. Every patient is given a home exercise program, which is progressed as the patient improves. For those interested in continuing to exercise at a health club, the therapists will assist in developing a program to ensure a successful transition.