After orthopedic or general surgery, there can be a need for treatment to reduce inflammation, improve gait problems and impaired range of motion, strengthen muscle weakness and decrease pain to restore normal movement patterns around the joint affected by surgery or the original pre-surgical condition. The careful progression of exercises and activities after joint surgeries are directed by a physical therapist to accelerate healing and yet protect surgically repaired tissues.

Many times, pain persists for months or years following injuries. Difficulty in managing stress factors may cause postural weaknesses that can lead to headaches, musculoskeletal irritation, and long term shortening of muscles. Specific techniques and exercise can be taught and treatment can be administered to reduce the frequency and intensity of these personal battles with pain.

Occasionally, people suffer from postural weakness and muscular strength imbalances. These problems may effect joints and produce irregular curves of the spine or excess joint stress and dysfunction that can lead to chronic pain. These may be treated through consistent exercise and mobilization to change muscle strength and to lessen the chance of irritation.

Both professional and recreational athletes may suffer injuries that can be treated with an emphasis on minimizing recovery time. With many injuries, specific treatment and exercise may decrease the recovery time. The development of strength, flexibility, coordination and reflexes of the injured part should lead to complete recovery.

Orthopedic injuries are commonly the result of the overuse of a body part, which causes tendon and ligament tissue to become irritated. This type of injury can cause painful movement in that body part and may even be painful while in rest. Your independent care and the use of our suggested procedures and exercises can accelerate your recovery. Your physician may prescribe medications to reduce the inflammation. A muscle, tendon or ligament tear can lead to bleeding beneath the skin. The degree of bleeding affects the amount of swelling and recovery time. Knowing when to use cold, compression, bandage, heat, and massage can have an impact. Clinical treatment with thermal and electrical methods will speed your healing and your return to normal activities.

Through no fault of their own, people are often injured while working or driving. Oftentimes, these injuries are debilitating and prevent one from living a normal life. Physical therapy can assist in the return to normalcy by utilizing techniques designed to reduce the pain, muscle spasm and inflammation that are often associated with work and auto related injuries, in addition to improving core and functional strength and range of motion. This allows for a safe return to work and recreational activities while reducing the risk of further injury by improving body mechanics and postural awareness.

Many orthopedic conditions are the result of faulty alignment through the lower extremities, including foot and ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain and low back pain. The provision of custom-made orthotics can alleviate many of these problems by correcting faulty alignment through the lower kinetic chain and spine.

Knowledge of advanced training techniques and safe periodization can prevent injuries, improve one’s health, strength and stamina, in addition to enhancing sports performance for scholastic and recreational athletes.