ALERT: US Bank Stadium event this Sunday. Patient and visitor parking is available in HCMC and Hospital parking ramps at regular rates. See Parking During Events on the Directions & Parking page for details.

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Physical Therapy Orthopedics

Physical therapy may be recommended for individuals who are experiencing the following conditions that may be limiting their return to work, sport, and/or their regular daily activities:

Orthopedic Conditions:

  • Musculoskeletal disorders (pain or injuries related to spine, joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, or bones)
  • Sprains or strains
  • Injuries or pain related to the spine (neck/back), shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, or ankle
  • Surgical patients for pre/rehabilitation
  • Chronic (lasting a long time) pain
  • TMJ disorders
    • TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint connection between your jaw and your skull. This joint opens and closes your mouth, acting as a sliding hinge that allows for up and down and side to side movement such as chewing, yawning and singing.

At your first appointment, the physical therapist will take a detailed medical history and complete an examination. A typical examination includes an assessment of: posture, strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, mobility, function and pain.  Following the initial evaluation, your physical therapist will suggest a treatment plan based on the test results. This may include additional visits as well as exercises to perform at home in order to achieve progress and to reach the goals that you have discussed with your physical therapist.

What are some common orthopedic physical therapy treatments?

Sessions may include:

Exercise therapy: strengthening and stretching to decrease pain associated with orthopedic conditions

Positioning/body mechanics: to decrease pain, improve function, and reduce risk for injury

Manual therapy: includes a variety of hands-on techniques to improve function and decrease pain

Neuromuscular re-education:  techniques to strengthen, help muscles relax, or facilitate coordination

Return to sport & running analysis: Pre/rehabilitation focused training and conditioning to optimize performance.

IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) which is similar to a standard massage, but specialized instruments are used in place of hands. Instruments allow more direct treatment of the soft tissues involved with movement.