Physical Therapy Specialist

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy diagnoses and treats issues that affect any part of your musculoskeletal system. It incorporates stretching, strength-building exercises, and other hands-on treatments like massage to relieve pain, ease inflammation, and encourage your body’s natural healing process.

The team at Bluewater Orthopedics uses physical therapy to manage injuries and illnesses affecting the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Treatment is non-invasive and incredibly effective. By participating in physical therapy, you can return to your favorite activities, including sports and exercise, much sooner than without.

What types of issues can benefit from physical therapy?

At Bluewater Orthopedics, the team uses physical therapy to treat a variety of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Lower back pain
• Elbow pain
• Hand pain
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shoulder pain
• Wrist pain
• Sports injuries
• ACL tears
• Sprains

You might also benefit from physical therapy following a surgical procedure, like joint replacement or shoulder arthroscopy.

What does physical therapy involve?

At Bluewater Orthopedics, the team tailors physical therapy to each individual’s needs. Following a physical exam, a review of your health history, and a discussion of your symptoms, including their severity and duration, your provider designs a custom treatment plan.

Depending on your symptoms and concerns, the team might recommend:

Passive modalities

Passive modalities are treatments that your physical therapist performs. Common examples include massage, soft-tissue manipulation, Kinesiology taping, and low-level light therapy. 

Active modalities

Active modalities are treatments that require patient participation. Common examples include exercise therapy, stretching, and balance-building.

How can I get the most out of physical therapy?

To get the most out of physical therapy, it’s important to follow your provider’s instructions. If you have questions or are unsure about any of the treatment regimens, speak up. Research shows that treatment outcomes are more successful when those undergoing therapy have a strong and trusting relationship with their physical therapist.

At the beginning of treatment, set clear, realistic goals. During your physical therapy appointments, listen to your body. If you experience pain or discomfort at any time, let your therapist know. 

Once you start feeling better, continue to attend each follow-up session. The more committed you are to the treatment process, the quicker you’ll be able to return to the activities you love.

To see if you’re a candidate for physical therapy, make an appointment at Bluewater Orthopedics by calling the nearest office or by clicking the online booking tool today.