It’s important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible when you have questions about injuries. Read our latest blog for information, and remember: all Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics offer a Complimentary Consultation by appointment to discuss your questions with a physical therapist.
Q: What is an orthopedic injury?
A: An orthopedic injury is an injury to a bone, muscle, ligament, tendon, or joint. This type of injury can include strains and sprains, bone fractures, joint dislocations, overuse or repetitive strain injuries, and tears. An injury to these areas can lead to loss of strength, range of motion, and stability, and will most likely cause pain. This can lead to decreased function and make daily tasks more difficult, which can lead to increased muscle atrophy and increased stiffness in the area.
Q: What can physical therapy do for an orthopedic injury?
A: Physical therapy can help restore function by reducing pain, improving strength and stability, and improving flexibility with specific interventions targeted towards the injury. A combination of modalities and therapeutic exercises will help jump-start the healing process and help you achieve your functional goals.
Q: Can I only do physical therapy after surgery?
A: No. Physical therapy can be helpful for surgical and nonsurgical injuries. Physical therapy can even be done as “pre-hab” to help improve strength and range of motion prior to a surgery. From having an injury such as a rotator cuff tear, to simply having knee pain going up and downstairs, physical therapy can be beneficial and will help restore function.
Q: When should I ask my physician about starting therapy?
A: Physical therapy can be utilized for major and minor injuries. It is most beneficial to initiate physical therapy as soon as possible after an injury to avoid increased stiffness in the area and to minimize muscle atrophy. Your physical therapist will provide you exercises to begin at home and specific interventions will be utilized to speed up the healing process and reduce pain to start to improve your function.
Q: What are the most common types of orthopedic injuries?
A: Many types of injuries are treated with physical therapy. Common injuries seen in physical therapy are knee pain, arthritis pain, and stiffness, adhesive capsulitis “frozen shoulder,” ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, hip pain, low back pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, neck pain, headaches, and post-operative injuries.
Brian Kuhr, PTA