Physical therapy is often used to help a patient recover after an accident.
Complete Injury Management works with physical therapists trained to help you heal and get back to your daily life as soon as possible. Unlike other medicine branches, physical therapy requires the patient’s participation throughout the entire process, and often the participation of family members. There are many different types of physical therapy; here are a few of the more common ones:
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Orthopedic physical therapy is what most people think of when they hear the term physical therapy. This option involves treating and rehabilitating injured muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Typically this is done after an injury such as a sprain, ligament or muscle tear, or a post-fracture injury. It can also help after an orthopedic surgery such as arthroscopic joint repair. The therapy involves exercise (both at the clinic and home between visits), manual therapy (which involves the physical therapist manually massaging or manipulating the area to increase mobility), and education.
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehab
If you have a heart condition or have recently had surgery involving your cardiovascular system, your heart may be in a weakened state. Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that helps improve the heart’s strength and function. This treatment involves aerobic exercise, strength training, education and counseling on nutrition, physical activity, weight management, psychosocial management, and more. The physical therapist will monitor the progress of the patient’s cardiovascular health and make changes as necessary.
Wound Care
Wounds are common after sustaining a serious injury, and physical therapists are trained in wound care and the healing of tissue. Wounds can cause symptoms throughout the entire body, so it’s vital that physical therapists do a full examination of the patient. Some of the most common wounds are necrotic wounds, diabetic wounds, and wounds after a surgical operation. Wound care typically involves cleaning the wound, removing any dead tissue, dressing the wound, apply compression, and educating the patient on keeping the wound clean and dressed properly.
Neurological Rehabilitation
After a traumatic brain injury, a patient may need neurological rehabilitation – or neurorehabilitation – to recover and regain brain function. This is a holistic process that heavily involves the participation of the patient and their family. It may include assistance with daily activities, speech therapy, bladder and bowel retraining, stress management, mobility exercises to regain primary movement function, social and behavioral skills retraining, pain management, support groups, and counseling.
The home care plan created by the physical therapist is the most crucial aspect of recovery. This typically involves exercises and activities to continue the progress made while visiting the physical therapist. If you’ve been injured, Complete Injury Management can help you find physical therapists and other medical professionals who can help you recover as soon as possible. Please give us a call or fill out our contact form, and we’ll connect you with a medical professional right away.