Orthopedics

Orthopedic physical therapists have received additional training in the musculoskeletal system. While all physical therapists have a general understanding of the system and its related injuries, an orthopedic physical therapist is able to treat more complex damage to the ligaments, muscles, bones, and tendons. The goal of both professions, though, is the same. When you come to these sessions, you’re here to recover, regain your range of motion, and, ultimately, eliminate pain or discomfort.

What to Expect

Visiting an orthopedic specialist may entail any of the following:

• Joint mobilization: This manual therapy works with gliding joints, also known as joints that move over one another. The orthopedist will target the problem joint to help it move more effectively.
• Massage: Massages can be far more than just relaxing spa excursions. An orthopedist will know how to manipulate your soft tissue to promote healing, recovery, and strength.
• Muscle stimulation: Muscle stimulation will promote blood flow to an area, which will help during recovery. It can also stave off potential atrophy if the patient is unable to use certain muscles for a prolonged period of time.
• Exercises: Orthopedic physical therapists can tell you not only which exercises will be more beneficial but how you can perform these exercises without risking further injury to your body.
• Education: One of the best ways to recover and further prevent injury is to learn about how your body works. It can not only motivate you to do the work, it can make it easier to make small changes in your life that all add up to big benefits.

There is some degree of overlap between what a physical therapist will do and what an orthopedic physical therapist will do at their appointments. The key difference is that the orthopedic physical therapist will use their additional experience and training to optimize your treatment program so it’s as efficient as possible.

When to See an Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Orthopedic physical therapists in the Flagstaff area will typically see the following common conditions:

• Neck or back pain: Neck or back pain is often an ongoing problem. An orthopedic specialist may be able to offer additional advice and tips if general PT hasn’t worked.
• Accidents: Whether on the court or at work, accidents can put people out of commission for far longer than they think. A physical therapist can help athletes and professionals alike get back to work.
• Surgery recoveries: Any surgery in the orthopedic realm will require some downtime afterward to heal. Orthopedists are there to limit pain and get people back into their everyday routines.
• Joint conditions: The joints of your hips, shoulders, feet, ankles, and knees are constantly in motion throughout the day. An orthopedic PT can get those joints back in working order, so you can maintain your flexibility.
• Prosthesis: If you have a prosthetic body part, an orthopedic PT will show you to move with that body part for the most fluid results.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy in the Flagstaff Area

Basecamp Physical Therapy is proud to offer our patients options when it comes to their physical therapy. Whether you’re interested in prevention or in recovery, this specialty may open doors to you that general physical therapy can’t. Consider scheduling an appointment if you’re looking for treatment a step beyond the standard.