Normal Therapies Used in Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy is for those who have lost some of their physical mobility due to health-related conditions or injuries, such as back injuries, neck injuries, arthritis, burns, amputations, injuries related to work or sports, and stroke. The goal of physical therapy is to make the activities of daily living (ADLs) easier for the patient. In pursuing this goal, physical therapists usually work with other specialists, such as nurses, social workers, and doctors. Since each patient's case is different, physical therapists use individualized treatment plans to meet the needs of each patient. They use a wide range of procedures to restore function of the body and reduce pain: Hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, the application of ice and heat, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, etc.

Hydrotherapy is a kind of treatment that uses water. rehab service southern california It is widely used for patients who suffer arthritis, back pain, work or sports injuries. Supported by a pool of warm water, patients can perform therapies aimed at increasing strength and muscle tone while relieving pain.  Or, the patient can be immersed in a whirlpool or Jacuzzi. The use of water jets is also a popular treatment option. Sometimes, hydrotherapy also includes the application of wet towels to the skin. Research shows that hydrotherapy can be highly beneficial. 

Therapeutic exercises are activities designed to restore and improve physical strength. Some sort of therapeutic exercise is present in almost every physical therapy case. Therapeutic exercise is one component of physical therapists' holistic patient care.

Research shows that external temperature changes can release pain and relax muscle. Physical therapists use both ice and heat therapy. Each is beneficial for differing conditions. The use of ice therapy is called cryotherapy. The usual techniques for cryotherapy are the direct application of ice, the use of special cold packs, cold water baths and cold water sprays. Conduction and convection are two types of heat therapy. Conduction heat therapy uses the heat directly. Convection heat therapy transfers heat via the circulation. Hydrotherapy with warm water is an example of convection therapy.

Sometimes, physical therapists will use electrical currents to activate nerves affected by spinal cord injury, head injury, stroke or other neurological disorder.  The approach is considered safe and effective for pain relief, muscle strengthening, muscle re-education and tissue healing.

Ultrasound is not just for pregnant women! Physical therapy practitioners use ultrasound therapy to ease the pain associated with certain physical conditions or injuries. There are two types of ultrasound therapy: thermal and mechanical.  Thermal ultrasound therapy involves continuous transmission of sound waves, which causes small vibrations deep inside tissues. The vibration increases heat and friction, and this warming influences healing. Mechanical ultrasound therapy uses pulses of sound waves to penetrate tissues, which reduces the inflammatory response and eases pain.

The goals of physical therapy are to restore the patient's movements back to pre-injury levels as much as possible. rehab southern california Physical therapists have a wide range of choices for the treatments available to the patient. However, physical therapy, although it is very important, is just one component of a holistic view of patient health.