Orthopedic and sports physical therapy: 4 techniques that aid in active recovery

If you have joint pain, swelling, and a reduced range of motion, you may be one of the 1.71 billion people in the world with a musculoskeletal condition. Injuries, disease, or surgery can cause these conditions. 

While musculoskeletal conditions can make it challenging to do everyday tasks, orthopedic and sports physical therapy may help you recover. Both options aim to restore mobility, improve muscular function and ease pain. While orthopedic therapy covers a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions, sports therapy specifically focuses on helping athletes recover and return to the sports they love to play. 

So, how do these physical therapies make it possible? Let’s explore four techniques used in orthopedic and sports physical therapy that may help ease your pain.

1. Therapeutic exercise

Improving strength and flexibility through therapeutic exercises may help restore your mobility and prevent further injuries. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, you can safely and effectively perform exercises designed to help you achieve your goals. As you engage in therapeutic exercises, you may be able to increase your flexibility, improve your range of motion and alleviate pain in your body.

2. Manual therapy

Relieving joint and muscle tension with manual therapy can make a difference on your path to recovery. During this treatment, your physical therapist can use hands-on techniques to manipulate joints and soft tissues, such as joint mobilization or soft tissue massage. In the process, these massage-like motions may reduce inflammation and pain, making it easier to move. 

3. Dry needling

Dry needling may help reduce pain and muscle tightness, supporting your body’s healing process. During this therapy, your physical therapist places thin needles into trigger points in the muscles. Targeting these trigger points may help alleviate muscle tension and pain, which may restore mobility.

4. Neuromuscular reeducation training 

Improving your coordination through neuromuscular reeducation training may help prevent injuries. The goal of this treatment is to reestablish communication between the brain and muscles to support normal movement. Rebuilding your muscle memory and enhancing your coordination and balance can help you move more easily and reduce pain in your body.

REPAIR SI is here to support your journey toward moving and feeling better with orthopedic and sports therapy

Whether your musculoskeletal condition is caused by an injury, disease or surgery, physical therapy may be able to help you feel better. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, you can work on improving your balance, increasing your mobility and alleviating musculoskeletal pain. At REPAIR SI, our therapists can personalize a treatment plan that’s right for you and ensure you have a safe and effective path to healing. Let’s help you regain your strength and mobility with confidence.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.