We all heal in our own unique way following an injury or surgery, but at the same time, certain injuries tend to respond better to specific treatment techniques. So many different health conditions and acute injuries respond very well to regular physical therapy sessions, but there are some issues where physical therapy is clearly the best treatment method for the patient. In today’s blog, we highlight five specific injuries and health conditions that tend to respond very positively to targeted physical therapy sessions.
Pursue PT If You Are Dealing With These Injuries
If you suspect that you are dealing with any of these issues, head straight to a physical therapy clinic, because there’s a very good chance your issue can be effectively managed with professional physical therapy intervention.
- Ankle Instability and Chronic Ankle Sprains– If your ankle feels unstable or you’re regularly rolling your ankle, you’re going to want to seek out PT. Chronic ankle sprains are the result of damage to the supportive ankle ligaments. You need to proactively strengthen these injured soft tissues in order to restore stability in your ankle joint. Rest alone won’t help you make a full recovery, but you will feel stronger after a few PT sessions.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries– Does lifting your arm above your shoulder or extending your arm out in front of you cause discomfort? If so, you may be dealing with microtears in the supportive tissues that stabilize your shoulder joint. Similar to ankle instability, you’re going to need to strengthen these tissues with targeted exercises so that they can stabilize your shoulder complex. Resistance band exercises and stretching techniques can help improve shoulder function and prevent the need for surgical correction.
- Concussions– As we’ve detailed on the blog in the past, seeking out physical therapy services in the wake of a concussion or similar head trauma can speed up recovery and reduce symptom severity. Skip the consultation with your primary care physician and head right to a physical therapy department, because earlier treatment has been proven to produce better recovery results.
- Whiplash– Whiplash occurs when your head and neck are thrust backwards or forwards while your body remains in a relatively steady position, like what occurs when you are unexpectedly tackled in football or rear ended at a stop light. This leads to damage to the supportive muscles and ligaments in your neck area, and while rest can provide some relief, you need to work to restore strength and flexibility in the region, otherwise certain neck movements will remain uncomfortable. Whiplash injuries can typically be effectively managed with the help of physical therapy exercises.
- Arthritis– Physical therapy won’t be able to turn back the clock and cure your arthritis, but it can be quite helpful in slowing down or even stopping the progression of the condition. PT can make everyday movements more comfortable and prevent the need for more invasive treatment options like a joint replacement procedure. It won’t cure your arthritis, but it can certainly help to control symptoms and improve physical comfort.
If you’re dealing with any of these conditions, or you want help managing a different health issue, reach out to the team at OrthoRehab Specialists today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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