What Is Orthopedic Physical Therapy?
Orthopedic physical therapy is the care of the musculoskeletal system, which consists of the bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons, joints and connective tissues. An orthopedic PT evaluates and diagnoses the musculoskeletal system's condition and creates and administers a treatment plan customized for every patient.
At Healthlink, we treat various orthopedic conditions, including:
Back Pain
Back pain can have many causes: lifting an object, twisting too far or bending. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown. It can also be caused by spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, disc herniation and spinal bifida. Treatment for back pain depends on the severity of symptoms. Treatments may include back stretches and back exercises for lower back pain, medications or surgery.
Knee Pain
There are various causes of knee pain. Most people don’t know the exact cause of knee pain unless a trauma occurs. It can also be caused by sports- or work-related trauma. Pain happens because there is stress in the ligaments, muscles or joints. If you experience swelling, prolonged pain or inability to stand, please consult one of our PTs to diagnose and treat your condition properly.
Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is a complex and dynamic joint, and some might correlate a shoulder injury with a fall or other traumatic injury. Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Repetitive overhead movement
- Fall onto arm
- Overuse from overhead or throwing sports
- Heavy weightlifting
- Arthritis
- Impingement
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Referral from the neck
If you experience shoulder pain for more than two weeks, immediately consult our PTs and occupational therapists at Healthlink in San Antonio and the surrounding areas for shoulder pain treatment that may help you move better with less pain. Shoulder workouts, rotator cuff exercises, medications or surgery may be part of the customized treatment plan for shoulder pain.
Other conditions we treat include:
- Joint pain
- Limited range of motion
- Lyme disease
- Lymphedema
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Plantar fasciitis
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Stroke
- And more
When Should You Consider Orthopedic Rehab?
- If you have a condition affecting your musculoskeletal system
The treatment plan customized by your physical therapist may be the primary or complementary treatment option for the musculoskeletal conditions mentioned above.
- Rehabilitation after surgery
After surgeries like hip replacement ,
knee replacement,
knee arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, heart surgery or cancer surgery, orthopedic rehabilitation may help reduce pain, normalize walking, improve the range of motion and prevent tissue buildup as well as help in regaining balance, strength and mobility.
- Rehabilitation after acute injury
An acute injury is an injury caused by a single trauma to the body. These may include an ankle sprain, tear in the meniscus, tear in the back muscles or herniated disc. Orthopedic rehabilitation can help manage swelling, function with weight-bearing restrictions, regain range of motion, rebuild strength and learn how to avoid future similar injuries.
- Rehabilitation for chronic injury
A chronic injury is an injury caused by small, repetitive injuries to tendons, bones or joints that usually occurs over time. Chronic injuries may include shin splints, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. Orthopedic rehabilitation can help isolate the source of injury, manage pain and swelling and educate on how to avoid future similar injuries.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Treatments in San Antonio
Orthopedic PTs provide one or both modes of treatment according to the diagnosis:
- Passive modalities – This mode of treatment is when the therapist applies the treatment. For example, dry needling, soft tissue mobilizations, aquatic therapy, etc.
- Active modalities – This mode of treatment indicates you perform or participate in a movement such as mobilization exercises.
Healthlink’s orthopedic PTs in San Antonio and the surrounding areas use a wide range of modalities, exercises and methods to help you overcome your pain. Our therapists will listen to your concerns, perform a thorough examination and build a treatment plan that works for your individual needs. Some of these treatments may include:
- Hot/cold therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Traction
- Hydrotherapy
- Soft tissue manipualtion
- Joint mobilization
- Dry needling
- Laser or light therapy
- Kinesiology taping
