Our musculoskeletal system is composed of bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. These elements endure structural stability and integrity to enable us to perform daily functions. A problem with any of the elements of the musculoskeletal system can throw a spanner into our daily functions. Especially injuries and traumatic events can stop a patient from optimal recovery and this is where orthopaedic physical therapy can help.
Orthopaedic physical therapy is not just a tool for recovery. It can also help treat certain orthopaedic conditions without the active use of surgical treatments. With the input from the best orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai, Dr Chirag Patel we go through the benefits of orthopaedic physical therapy and then help you know the orthopaedic condition that can be treated by physical therapy. Read on to know:
What is Orthopaedic Physical Therapy?
Orthopaedic physical therapy is a practice that focuses on restoring and enhancing the functions of the musculoskeletal system – joints, bones, muscle, tendons and ligaments. Orthopaedic physical therapy may use strength training, stretching, endurance exercises, electrical muscle stimulation, and hot and cold packs.
A certified Orthopaedic Physical Therapist evaluates a patient’s condition, educates the patient about the current injury, determines the necessary movement patterns, creates a treatment plan and provides the care. This orthopaedic physical therapy is usually provided in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities and even at the home.
Benefits of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy:
Orthopaedic physical therapy helps a patient build his strength, and improve flexibility, joint function and range of motion. So any mild orthopaedic condition that impacts your ability to move and function can be treated by performing orthopaedic physical therapy. Especially physical therapy tends to be the mainstay in treatment plans for sports injuries and traumatic events or injuries caused by repetitive use of joints.
What Orthopaedic Conditions can be Treated by Therapy?
Some of the orthopaedic conditions where orthopaedic physical therapy plays a key role include arthritis, bursitis, and frozen shoulder, limited range of motion, muscular dystrophy, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, joint pain, and lower back pain. It is to be noted that physical therapy only plays a commentary role in the treatment of these conditions. In cases when the condition is mild, rest, OTC medications & physical therapy can be primary treatment as well, according to the best joint replacement doctor in Mumbai, Dr Chirag Patel.
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation:
That said, physical therapy is the mainstay in the rehabilitation process of every major orthopaedic surgery. Orthopaedic physical therapy reduces pain, restores function, improves range of motion and also prevents the build-up of excessive scar tissue post-surgery. Hip replacement, knee arthroscopy, knee replacement and joint replacement surgery have mandatory physical therapy that can be performed at home.
Orthopaedic physical therapy as a primary treatment option is not suitable for all orthopaedic conditions. However, there are a few cases where only physical therapy can help patients restore their musculoskeletal function. Only an expert orthopaedic surgeon can guide a patient after a thorough assessment. If you are in Mumbai and looking for an orthopaedic specialist in Mumbai for consultation, Dr Chirag Patel help. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Chirag Patel has an exceptional track record in treating a range of sports injuries with simple physical therapy and other non-surgical treatment options. You can contact him here: .