Physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system. What’s the musculoskeletal system? Essentially, it’s the muscles, (‘musculo-) bones, (-skeletal), and all the connective tissues (i.e., tendons and ligaments) that help the body move. With a busy on-the-go lifestyle and all the people in your life counting on you, your physical therapist is your partner to help you stay healthy from head to toe!
Protecting Your Body to Keep You Moving
If you can move it, we can help you when pain strikes. From chronic headaches and neck pain to foot and ankle injuries and all those essential body parts in between, working with a physical therapist as a member of your healthcare team can help you reach optimal health to keep moving. Here’s how!
Head and Neck Pain
Physical therapy is one of the most common treatments for neck pain. Most physical therapy programs for neck pain involve modalities and services to reduce pain and/or stiffness enough to begin an exercise program of strengthening and stretching the neck.
There are many different causes of pain in your head and neck and just as many ways that pain may manifest itself. Headaches, TMJ dysfunction (temporal mandibular joint), and neck pain can all lead to difficulties working, driving, and caring for the people in your life. Collaborating with a physical therapist can help you understand the cause of the pain and a plan to reduce your symptoms. The specific methods and exercises used in physical therapy, as well as the duration of the treatment plan, can vary from person to person.
Shoulders and Arms
Shoulder pain is a common condition that affects more than 25% of the population. The shoulder has the most range of motion of all our joints, so it’s not surprising that shoulder pain and injuries are both common and incredibly uncomfortable. The remaining part of the upper extremity doesn’t get much simpler either. From elbow to fingertips, the arm is made up of a complex network of nerves, muscles, and connective tissues that can cause a flare-up of pain from overuse or traumatic injuries.
Whether your shoulder or arm injury is the result of a chronic condition such as arthritis, rotator cuff tendinitis, tennis elbow, or an injury suffered as the result of a work or sports accident, your physical therapist will know exactly what to do to have you raising your arms to celebrate your return to function.
Low Back Pain
According to research, back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. It also accounts for more than 264 million lost workdays in one year, with experts estimating that up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their lives.
So, if back pain has this large an impact, there must be nothing that you can do, right? Wrong! A new study suggests that when patients with back pain bad enough to send them to the doctor engaged in “early” PT (within a couple of weeks of seeing a doctor) were less likely to need other, often pricey, types of medical care. While back pain can range from a muscle strain to bulging or herniated discs, your physical therapist will help you understand how to reduce pain and promote healing with a return to activities that can help you stay safe.
Lower Extremity from Hip to Toes
The leg, from hip to toes, is referred to as the “lower extremity” (shoulder to fingertips is the “upper extremity”). If your work or recreational activities involve stepping, climbing, walking, or squatting, you know how important it is to have strong and mobile legs. Understanding the importance of muscle strength and balance, and joint mobility and stability are key to optimal function and movement.
The hip, knee, and foot are prone to overuse injuries such as trochanteric bursitis, patellar tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. However, if you are looking for a healthcare provider that can help you overcome these conditions, your physical therapist is ready to help. From guidance on how to reduce joint and muscle overuse, to rehabilitation following injury or surgery, they are your resource to recover and return to activity safely.
Your Partner for the Season Ahead
Whether you are preparing for a sport, recreation, or an improvement in health, your physical therapist is key to your musculoskeletal health and wellness. Whatever the months ahead have in store for you, MVPT Physical Therapy can help you overcome longstanding pain, manage new aches, or prepare you for whatever is next on your list of adventures.
Call any MVPT Physical Therapy location to schedule or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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