5 Things You Didn't Know a Physical Therapist Can Do For You
1. Manual Therapy
First of all, what is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is....
“The use of skilled hand movements performed by health professionals to:
1. Improve tissue extensibility
2. Increase range of motion
3. Induce relaxation
4. Mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints
5. Modulate pain
6. Reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction.”
In addition to stretching, mobilizing, and manipulating with our hands, we also use modalities including dry needling, cupping, and vibration therapy to reduce pain and allow healing and appropriate movement.
2. Activity Modications
We always get the questions.... Can I go to the gym? If so, what should or should I not do?? When can I return to sport? How do I initiate return to sport? Can I start running? What is the best way to ease myself into increasing mileage? Why does it hurt to bend over? Is there a better way to pick an object off the floor? Should I use the treadmill, elliptical, or bike?
Whoa -- So many questions! All easily addressed and adapted to the individuals presentation, stage of healing, and goals!
3. Movement Analysis
Physical therapists LOVE movement! We call ourselves the movement experts. We analyze walking patterns, squatting techniques, balance mechanisms, running mechanics, overhead shoulder movements, and much much! We find where muscles are inhibited and what movements are breaking down and fix them.
4. Performance Enhancement
So you don’t have pain, but you’re nervous about a race coming up, a tennis tournament next month, or increasing the number of golf games you play each month. Again... movement experts! We are aware of the demands on different sports, the mobility required to participate in the activity appropriately, and the muscles needed to help stabilize during sport specific demands. We can tailor a workout and stretching protocol directly to your needs!
5. Assess Risk of Injury
While this hasn’t been completely perfected, there are several tests and measures we can use to assess risk of injury based on previous injuries, strength and stability, movement patterns, and endurance. We make sure your body is able to move through highly demanding activity appropriately!