Discover & Share the Power of Physical Therapy

Are you or someone you know struggling with pain, injury, or movement difficulties? Physical Therapy offers a pathway to recovery, helping people of all ages and backgrounds regain their strength and mobility. In this Q&A, we’ll explore what Physical Therapy is, what to expect during appointments, and how it can transform your life. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or simply looking to improve your physical health, our expert therapists are here to guide you every step of the way. Dive in to learn more about how Physical Therapy can make a difference in your life.

Q & A about Physical Therapy

Question: What is Physical Therapy?Answer: Physical Therapy is a profession focused on helping individuals affected by disease, injury, and movement dysfunction. Physical Therapists work to restore, improve, and maintain a person's ability to move, function, and lead a more active lifestyle.

Question: What does a Physical Therapy appointment look like?Answer: At your initial appointment, your Physical Therapist will take a thorough history of your main complaint, including when the problem started, the severity of your symptoms, potential causes, and how you're managing them. Based on this information, your therapist will conduct a skilled examination to assess your function, mobility, and strength, and then develop an appropriate treatment plan to address your concerns.

Once a treatment plan is established, you'll have regular follow-up appointments with your Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant. During these visits, your therapist will carry out various treatments, progress your plan, and evaluate how your treatments are affecting your symptoms. After your symptoms are under control, your therapist will help you achieve independence with a home exercise program so you can continue your treatment at home.

Question: What do Physical Therapy treatments consist of?Answer: Physical Therapy treatments typically involve one-on-one care with a licensed professional. Based on your initial treatment plan, you may receive a combination of:

·         Hands-on therapy: Includes soft tissue massage, joint mobilizations, myofascial release, stretching, traction, IASTM, cupping, kinesiotaping, or splinting.

·         Exercise therapy: Strength training, balance and coordination activities, blood flow restriction training, sports rehab, and gait training.

·         Modalities: Mechanical traction, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, hot packs, cold packs, paraffin wax, and fluidotherapy.

·         Specialty training: Vestibular therapy, return to running programs, ergonomic training, and education.

Question: How do I know if I need Physical Therapy?Answer: Your physician may refer you to Physical Therapy if you've sustained an injury, are post-surgery, or are experiencing pain. Conditions treated in therapy include, but are not limited to:

·         Pain conditions (back, neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle/foot)

·         Tendinitis/Bursitis

·         Fractures

·         Arthritic conditions

·         Post-surgery recovery

·         Balance issues and difficulty walking

·         Leg weakness

·         Vestibular issues (dizziness, unsteadiness)

·         Nerve issues

·         Cervicogenic headaches

If you're physically limited in your daily activities and movements, you can ask your physician for a Physical Therapy prescription. For an exclusive list of how we treat (https://www.gilboe.com/how-we-treat-conditions-physical-therapy) and what we treat (https://www.gilboe.com/conditions-we-treat-physical-therapy), visit our website at Gilboe.com.