
Orthopedics
Orthopedic physical therapy is the provision of care for those individuals of all ages with disorders or dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic physical therapists are skilled in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. They are experts in the assessment of movement and can help individuals move better, often with less pain, through skilled manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education. Orthopedic physical therapy is often provided in an outpatient rehabilitation setting.
The following health conditions are often managed by orthopedic physical therapists:
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Low back and neck pain
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Rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder problems
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Osteoarthritis
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Plantar fasciitis
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Post-operative rehabilitation from orthopedic surgical procedures
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Muscle strains
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Joint sprains/pain/swelling, including knee and ankle injuries
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Chronic pain
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Tennis/golfer’s elbow
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sports Injury
Sports physical therapy is a specialized practice that focuses on prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement of the physically active individual. This includes pre-participation screenings, equipment recommendations, prescribed fitness programs, and much more. Sports physical therapists incorporate the most current research into their practice to help the active individual fully participate in sports and recreation.
The following are interventions often provided by sports physical therapists:
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Performance enhancement
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Injury prevention
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On-site evaluation and management of acute sports injuries
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Treatment and rehabilitation
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Research