Physical therapy, also known as PT, is a medical procedure used to evaluate and diagnose abnormal physical functions that are related to disability, injuries, or any health condition. Physical therapists are highly trained and licensed movement experts who help improve your range of movement and prevent the risk of further disability or injury. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about Albany physical therapy.  

Types of Physical Therapy

The following are some of the various types of physical therapy:

• Neurological physical therapy. This treatment is used to help patients with neurological problems, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Orthopedic physical therapy. This treatment helps patients with musculoskeletal injuries on their tendons, muscles, fascia, bones, and ligaments. This therapy treats health conditions such as bursitis, fractures, tendinitis, sprains, and other chronic illnesses.
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation. This treatment is used to treat patients who are affected by some surgical procedures and cardiopulmonary conditions. It also helps increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance.
• Vestibular therapy. This treatment treats patients with balance problems triggered by inner ear conditions. This therapy usually involves several physical exercises and manual techniques that help regain coordination and balance.
• Geriatric physical therapy. This treatment treats older patients who develop chronic health conditions such as osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis that affect their physical function and mobility.
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation. This treatment is very effective in treating conditions that affect the pelvic floor, such as fecal or urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and urinary urgency triggered by some surgical procedures and injuries.
• Decongestive therapy. This type of physical therapy is to help drain accumulated fluid in patients with lymphedema and other health conditions that entail fluid accumulation.
• Wound care therapy. This treatment ensures that your healing wound receives enough blood and oxygen by increasing circulation. This therapy may include compression therapy, e-stim, and manual therapies.

Common Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy

Depending on their specialty, physical therapists can provide additional treatment for several medical conditions. Below are some of the conditions that are treated with physical therapy:

·       Musculoskeletal dysfunction includes rotator cuff tears, temporomandibular joint disorders, and back pain.

·       Female health and pelvic floor dysfunction, such as lymphedema

·       Cardiopulmonary conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

·       Sports-related injuries, such as tennis elbow and concussion.

·       Conditions that affect the hand, such as trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome

·       Pediatric conditions such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy

·       Skin conditions or injuries, such as diabetic ulcers, burns, and wound care

·       Neurological conditions include spinal cord injuries, vestibular dysfunction, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and Parkinson’s disease.

Procedure

Physical therapy can sometimes be a single medical procedure combined with other treatments. Some of the treatments that may be included during your physical therapy may include:

§  Electrical stimulation (e-stim). There are two types of e-stim procedures: neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which helps improve muscular engagement, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which helps reduce pain.

§  Light therapy. This treatment involves using special lasers and lights to treat certain health complications.

§  Iontophoresis. This form of treatment involves using electrical currents to administer certain medications, such as topical steroids, and lower the risk of inflammation.

§  Moist heat, heat, and cold therapy. This treatment is very effective in treating a wide array of medical conditions.

At Orthopaedic Associates, we focus on providing reliable and satisfactory orthopaedic care to the residents in and around Albany. Our team of well-experienced and skilled medical experts will provide you with orthopaedic treatment, physical therapy, ambulatory surgery, and many others. Take the initiative today and book an appointment online or call us today at 229-883-4707.