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Orthopedic physiotherapy is a medical specialty that deals with functional impairments of the skeletal system. It diagnoses and treats all problems related to your musculoskeletal system, which consists of bones, muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons. An orthopedic physiotherapist acquires the skills and education required to treat conditions that affect your musculoskeletal system. It can be due to an injury, a chronic illness or an accident.
There are various sub-disciplines of physiotherapy. Orthopedic physical therapy is one of them and the most popular one in Abbotsford.
Orthopedic physical therapy involves the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of your entire musculoskeletal system. It is available in outpatient clinics, sports facilities, skilled nursing facilities or even at home.
It includes the following:
So, the physical therapist starts by diagnosing the exact problem that’s causing you pain or discomfort. Once they uncover the underlying issue, they create an appropriate treatment plan and provide you with the complete therapeutic care you need for complete recovery.
Orthopedics and physiotherapy are two different branches of medical science. But, both focus on diagnosing and treating problems in the musculoskeletal system. While physiotherapy reduces pain and restores normal movement, orthopedics treat the core of the problem and help you recover.
Orthopedic physiotherapy focuses on stimulating the natural healing response of the body. It is based on the sciences of anatomy, biomechanics and physiology. Orthopedics can implement surgical procedures if required. Orthopedic physical therapy, on the contrary, uses techniques such as manual assessment, exercises, movement training, posture training and electrotherapy to treat musculoskeletal problems.
Both disciplines address mechanical faults in the body. But, physical therapy does it by triggering the natural healing process. The latter also develops prevention strategies to help you avoid the risk of injuries during the healing process and after that too.
Orthopedic physiotherapists treat a wide array of musculoskeletal problems, such as:
You can opt for physical therapy if you are experiencing pain in muscles, bones or soft tissues. Some physical therapists specialize in treating specific problems. A sports physiotherapist, for instance, helps athletes recover from injuries and perform better in their next game. There are orthopedic physiotherapists who work only with senior citizens.
So, it is best that you share your health concerns first with the professional. They can guide you from there accordingly.
Orthopedic physical therapists focus on using the body’s natural healing abilities. So, their techniques are non-invasive and consist of exercises, patient education, movement training, etc.
Some of the common treatments are:
Exercises- There are specific stretching and strengthening exercises that restore the strength in your muscles and help you recover faster. The exercises also keep you active and reduce pain.
Joint mobilization- It is a manual technique where the physiotherapist moves the affected joint in a specific direction to improve its mobility.
Soft tissue mobilization- This is the process of manipulating the damaged soft tissues with your hands and optimizing your muscle function. It is applicable to the fascia, ligaments and muscles.
Dry needling- This is the process of inserting very thin filament-type needles into specific points under the skin. It relieves muscle tension and promotes mobility.
Besides these, the therapist may also recommend hot and cold therapy, hydrotherapy or kinesiology depending on your condition. The bottom line is an orthopedic physiotherapist can help you manage any pain that’s associated with your musculoskeletal system.