At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, physical therapy (PT) is central to our holistic approach, not only aiding in recovery but also playing a pivotal role in preventing future injuries. If you have suffered a musculoskeletal injury, contact us now. Not only will we provide excellent physical therapy to help you heal; but we will also teach your mind and body how to forestall future injuries.Â
Purposes of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is designed with several key objectives in mind, each contributing to overall health by:
- Decreasing pain so patients are able to move less awkwardly and better able to avoid injury.
- Increasing mobility and range of motion, enabling patients to function more independently.
- Improving muscle function to enhance strength, particularly in the core, supporting better posture and reducing injury risk.
- Improving circulation to accelerate the healing process.
- Improving balance and coordination to enhance daily function and to reduce falls that result in injuries.
- Improving proprioception, the awareness of body position in space that can greatly minimize the risk of injury.
Types of Physical Therapy
Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine employs a variety of physical therapy techniques, selected to match each patient’s unique needs:
- Heat and cold therapy to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve circulation.
- Muscle therapy to relieve tension and enhance muscle function.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and increase stability.
- Joint mobilization to reduce stiffness and increase range of motion.
- Electrical stimulation by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) that employs electrical currents to reduce pain, stimulate muscles, and promote healing.
Advantages of Physical Therapy in Pain Relief and Injury Prevention
Physical therapy offers numerous benefits, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
Benefits of physical therapy include:
- PT can easily be customized to meet the particular goals of each patient and altered to meet their changing needs.
- PT is often a more affordable option compared to surgery and long-term medication use and does not involve complications or side effects.
- PT works well in combination with other treatments our practice offers, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, corticosteroid injections, and acupuncture.
- PT provides a sense of empowerment most other treatments don’t because the patient is an active participant, learning to strengthen their own body more effectively and contribute substantively to improving their health and reinforcing their independence.
Types of Injuries Physical Therapy Addresses
Physical therapy is helpful in addressing a broad range of injuries. For some injuries, PT can begin soon after the accident; for others, like fractures and tears, primary healing must take place before PT can be introduced. The following is only a partial list of injuries for which PT is invaluable in increasing the range of motion and lessening pain:
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Sprains and strains
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- ACL tears
- Hamstring injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Achilles tendon injuries
Prevent Injuries —Contact Our Physical Therapy Specialists Today
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we believe in the power of physical therapy not just as a treatment modality, but as a preventive strategy. Through personalized care plans, we aim to reduce the risk of future injuries, enhance mobility, and empower our patients in their journey toward optimal health. Whether you are recovering from an injury or seeking to prevent one, contacting our team of skilled physiatrists is a wise move toward a more active, pain-free life.