Physical therapy (PT) is a combination of techniques and treatments that help improve movement, relieve pain, strengthen muscles and return to your normal activities.
- Evaluation A physical therapist reviews your medical history and examines you to assess your condition. They may take your blood pressure and move you through various motions to check your joints, muscles, and tissues and evaluate your pain.
- Treatment planThe therapist creates a personalized plan of care that outlines your goals and expected outcomes.
- Treatments PT can include:
- Exercises: You may perform exercises with or without weights or equipment.
- Stretching: You may perform stretching maneuvers.
- Hands-on techniques: The therapist may move and manipulate parts of your body.
- Physical stimuli: You may receive treatments based on heat, cold, electrical currents, or ultrasound.
- Massage: You may receive a massage.
- Hydrotherapy: You may participate in hydrotherapy.
- Joint Mobilizations: To increase ROM and decrease pain
- Work conditioning: Treatment plan designed for demands and duties required by your job
- Education The therapist educates you and your family about what to expect during the recovery process and how to maintain your gains.
- Progress evaluation The therapist evaluates your progress and modifies your treatment plan as needed.
PT can be an outpatient treatment, but you can also receive it in the hospital or at home. Depending on your location and the type of PT you need, you may be able to receive virtual PT via video call or phone. PT can help treat common conditions along with complex neurological conditions.