Orthopedic Issues & Disorders
Reduce pain and restore function with physical therapy.
What Are Orthopedic Issues?
Orthopedic issues and disorders impact the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones, nerves, joints, tendons, and other connective tissues. These disorders can occur due to disease, injury, or inflammation and are usually manageable with physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
What is the Role of Physical Therapy in Orthopedic Care?
How Does Physical Therapy Help with Injury Prevention?
Physical therapists can help individuals identify risk factors for injury by helping the patient understand their body’s imbalances. Once these imbalances are identified, a physical therapist can come up with a plan of care to address specific strength and mobility deficits to improve physical performance and prevent injury. Incorporating proper exercise and movement techniques reduces the risk of injury that results from improper movements.
How Does Physical Therapy Help with Recovery?
Physical therapy can help with recovery by providing patients with interventions that can reduce pain and inflammation, and increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Through hands-on treatments, modalities, and specific strengthening and stretching exercises, physical therapy can help patients regain function in areas that may be weak and/or stiff from surgery, an injury, or deconditioning. Additionally, physical therapists can work with patients to develop strategies to prevent future injuries (see above). Overall, physical therapy is a valuable tool for those who are trying to return to their normal activities with improved function and reduced pain.
Swelling and scar tissue are concerning components when it comes to the healing process after a surgical procedure or injury. Both commonly occur and can lead to tightness in the affected area, making movement difficult. Physical therapists are knowledgeable regarding the healing process and employ different manual techniques to alleviate swelling and scar tissue, ensuring optimal functionality.
Recovering from an injury or illness often results in muscle loss. Physical therapy is an effective method to safely activate and strengthen these weakened muscles, reducing the strain that can occur on your joints. Your physical therapist will work with you to progressively build strength in all the necessary muscle groups, improving your overall physical condition and allowing you to tackle everyday tasks with confidence in your own abilities.
Physical therapy is an effective method for achieving the best possible outcomes after surgery or injury recovery. By utilizing various techniques, physical therapy can help to improve post-surgical results and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic pain or mobility issues.
How Does Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Impact Other Areas of the Body?
The pelvic floor plays a vital role in the body’s musculoskeletal system beyond simply supporting the pelvic organs. By addressing underlying dysfunction, physical therapists can effectively improve movement, posture, and overall stability, thereby assisting in the treatment of orthopedic issues and disorders.
While the pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs, it also plays a vital role in assisting with postural control and core stability. Dysfunction in the pelvic floor may affect other areas of the body, and vice-versa. By addressing the underlying dysfunction, physical therapists can more effectively and efficiently treat musculoskeletal-related complaints.
LOWER BACK
Dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles can contribute to lower back pain. Weak or tight pelvic floor muscles can alter pelvic alignment and stability, leading to increased stress on the muscles and joints of the lower back.
HIP AND PELVIS
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect hip and pelvic mechanics, leading to hip pain, pelvic girdle pain, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Imbalances in pelvic floor muscle tone or coordination can impact the alignment and stability of the hip and pelvic joints.
ABDOMEN
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect abdominal muscle function and intra-abdominal pressure regulation. This may result in abdominal pain, discomfort, or issues such as diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) due to compensatory patterns of muscle activation.
PELVIC ORGANS
Dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, or sexual dysfunction. These conditions can cause discomfort, pain, or functional limitations in daily activities.
POSTURE AND SPINE
The pelvic floor muscles are integral to core stability and posture. Dysfunction in these muscles can contribute to postural imbalances, spinal misalignment, and muscle tension throughout the spine, potentially leading to neck pain, thoracic pain, or headaches.
PELVIC NERVES
Dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles can affect nerves in the pelvic region, leading to symptoms such as sciatica (pain, numbness, or tingling in the buttocks and legs) or pudendal neuralgia (pain, burning, or numbness in the pelvic area).
PREGNANCY
During pregnancy and childbirth, pelvic floor dysfunction can be particularly common due to the increased demands placed on these muscles. This dysfunction can contribute to pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or other issues during and after pregnancy.
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Pelvic floor dysfunction can impact athletic performance by affecting core stability, pelvic control, and coordination. Athletes may experience issues such as decreased power generation, compromised balance, or increased risk of injury.
Common Orthopedic Issues & Disorders We Treat:
- HAND/WRIST: Post Surgery, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- ELBOW: Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow), Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s or Baseball Elbow), Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- SHOULDER: Rotator Cuff, Tendonitis, Labral Pathology, Bursitis
- NECK: Spasm, Headaches, Trigger Points
- BACK: Herniated Disc, Postural Dysfunction, SI Joint, Stenosis, Sciatica, Scoliosis
- HIP: Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Labral Tears, Impingement, Groin/Adductor or Other Muscle Strain, Bursitis
- KNEE: Tendonitis, ACL, Patellofemoral, Meniscus, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Osteoarthritis
- ANKLE & FOOT: Plantar Fascistic, Sprain, Strain, Shin Splints, Achilles Injury, Balance/Gait Training
- JAW: Temporomandibular Pain / Dysfunction (TMJ)
- ABDOMEN: Laparoscopic Surgery, Diastatis Recti
Client Testimonials
