6 Common Types Of Physical Therapy

6 Common Types Of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) can be a transformative treatment, targeting various illnesses and issues ranging from musculoskeletal injuries to neurological disorders. At times overlooked by the general public, physical therapy can be a natural remedy for numerous ailments. Professional therapists spend time with their clients to first diagnose the root of the problem, which can often be distant from the site of the pain and then prescribe a series of treatments to address and heal them.

The benefits of this treatment can drastically improve the performance, mobility, and quality of life of the patient, and it is an established form of medical treatment. PT is considered by many as a safe, natural treatment that focuses on using exercise, movement, and hands-on care to treat symptoms.

Depending on the signs of the ailment, different types of physical therapy may be required. Physical therapy clinics, such as Impact Health and Performance in Clearwater, Florida, field a range of experienced, qualified therapists trained to identify a broad range of ailments and treat them holistically. We’ve listed some of the most common types of treatments that professional clinics provide.

1. Manual Therapy

Likely the most traditional treatment used and the one you’re most familiar with – therapists use techniques such as massages, stretching, and manipulation to reduce pain and swelling and help heal from bodily injury. It can help ease headaches, joint pain, and more.

2. Heat & Cold Therapy

Using either warm or cold compresses, therapists can manipulate conditions in the body to encourage healing. Warm treatments can improve blood flow, relax muscles, and ease spasms. Cold treatments are more suited to reducing inflammation and swelling and helping with pain and muscle spasms. Both hot and cold may not be the primary treatment but can serve to improve and augment the results of the core treatments.

3. Physical Exercise

While many of us dislike exercising, no one can deny the benefits you can gain through regular exercise. Therapists often recommend a range of activities for patients to practice in the clinic if required or to continue at home. Depending on the symptoms and ailments, these exercises may be able to be done individually or may require assistance from a certified therapist.

These physical exercises can be used to treat chronic conditions or recovery from injury or surgery. They can help balance, mobility, and strength, among other benefits.

4. Ultrasound

You’ve probably heard of ultrasounds in relation to them being used to image babies growing in the womb. No surprise, but they are used entirely differently in physical therapy! Therapists use ultrasound waves to safely generate heat within the body to help with issues that a heat pack or compress cannot reach. Stiff, sore muscles can be relaxed with this treatment as well as improvements in blood circulation. It is usually used in a supplementary capacity for the main treatment.

5. Electrical Stimulation

Therapists safely run targeted electric bursts to help stimulate muscles and help regain strength and motion. This can be helpful after specific injuries to help the patient regain motion in inactive muscles. Electrical stimulation uses controlled, targeted electrical current, so it is a very safe procedure and will be recommended only after a thorough check-up.

6. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a relatively new addition to the field of PT compared to traditional treatments such as exercise and manual therapy; however, it has already proven effective as a form of therapy to reach deep-rooted issues in a targeted manner. Low-powered lasers generate light that passes through the skin to reduce discomfort, inflammation, and muscle fatigue. While generally considered a safe, non-invasive treatment, it may not be suitable for patients with certain skin conditions.

 Conclusion

The above treatments are some of the most common treatments that physical therapists may prescribe after the initial consultation. Depending on their background and experience, a therapist may be able to identify the root problem and advise multiple treatments that work in a complementary manner to alleviate symptoms systematically.

Our physical therapists at the Impact Health and Performance clinic in Clearwater, Florida, have decades of experience in diagnosing and treating various disorders and enhancing performance to ensure our clients are healthy and performing at their optimal levels. Get in touch with us now for an individualized assessment and care check-up!

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