Musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. It accounts for about 10-12 million days each year when people cannot work because they are too sore, stiff, or in too much pain. But there’s good news. Most musculoskeletal disorders can be treated with physical therapy, including manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, stretching exercises, and therapeutic exercise programs that gradually increase strength and flexibility. In Georgia, there are centers you can visit for the therapy sessions. These Albany physical therapy experts can tailor a treatment suiting your needs.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a health care profession concerned with promoting mobility, reducing pain, enhancing performance, and preventing or limiting permanent physical disabilities. A physical therapist uses exercises, manual techniques (such as massage), modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation) to promote the body’s natural healing processes. They also instruct patients on ways to support their health and adopt lifestyles to prevent future injuries.

What Are Some Common Conditions That Benefit from Physical Therapy?

Patients with musculoskeletal pain benefit from physical therapy by learning how to move more efficiently, use their muscles properly, strengthen weak muscles, reduce unwanted tension in the muscles, improve balance and coordination skills. Some common conditions that benefit from physical therapy include:

• low back pain
• neck pain, and other types of neck injuries such as whiplash.
• frozen shoulder or rotator cuff tear
• tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). -arthritis

When Should You See a Physical Therapist?

If you have problems with pain, stiffness, or lack of mobility in joints, muscles, or tendons, you should consider contacting a physical therapist. You can visit your Albany chiropractor for advice on finding the right Albany physical therapist for your condition. The following are signs that maybe you should see a physical therapist:

• Referral to a physical therapist by your physician.
• You have been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disorder.
• You’re experiencing severe pain or stiffness that limits your movement.
• Pain has lasted for more than three months and hasn’t gotten better with other measures such as taking over-the-counter medication, resting, ice or heat, lifestyle changes, massage therapy, or chiropractic care.

What Should You Expect When You Visit a Physical Therapist?

When you go to see a physical therapist, there are several things that you can expect. Your Albany physical therapist will likely ask about your injury, how it occurred and when it occurred. They will also want to know the intensity and quality of your pain and how it limits your daily activities. 

You will be asked to demonstrate the movement that causes you pain and the range of motion and strength. Physical therapists frequently use a variety of methods to enhance mobility and reduce pain. 

These include manual therapy (such as massage), mobilization (gentle stretching), myofascial release (massage), trigger point release, heat/ cold applications, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.

Physical therapy is a health care procedure concerned with promoting mobility, reducing pain, enhancing performance, and preventing or limiting permanent physical disabilities. A physical therapist uses exercises, manual techniques (such as massage), modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation) to promote the body’s natural healing processes.

Paul Petersen