Physical Therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose, and treat individuals of all ages who have musculoskeletal pain and/or disfunction, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform daily activities. Physical therapy can also help patients to avoid future issues or injury by identifying areas of weakness.
The terms “physical therapy” and “physiotherapy,” and the terms “Physical Therapist” and “Physiotherapist,” are synonymous.
Physical therapy can only be administered by qualified, licensed physical therapists (PTs) or by licensed physical therapist assistants (PTAs), working under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. PTs have an extensive knowledge of the human body and how it works, and find the best possible way for all areas of the body to not only work together, but work pain-free and with full function.
At Sport Ortho Urgent Care, we have integrated physical therapy services, so if PT is required, it’s a personal hand-off to a fellow provider. This ensures clear communication on patient progress, and makes it easier for the patient to receive PT.
How a Sport Ortho Urgent Care Physical Therapist works with a new patient:
Evaluate
A thorough history will guide the Sport Ortho PT in understanding how to approach a specific patient’s situation. Trained to perform a thorough review and analysis of the human body, a PT will consider the immediate area of concern as part of an overall musculoskeletal assessment to identify the root cause of a patient’s pain.
Diagnose
With the information obtained through a patient’s history and thorough evaluation, a PT can properly diagnose the cause of pain and disfunction.
Treat
A Sport Ortho Physical Therapist excels at creating a unique plan of care to help restore a patient’s movement and to relieve pain. The course of treatment typically occurs over several visits, and includes a progressive plan of home exercise to speed up the recovery process.
Prevent
The home exercise plan is also the first step a Sport Ortho PT uses to educate their patient and empower them to maintain their health and functional movement after discharge. Movement is often the best way to prevent a multitude of physical issues, and since PTs are movement experts, they also specialize in education and prevention. The PT’s goal is to help a patient fully recover, and then give them the tools and knowledge to manage their health over the long term.
Conditions commonly treated by a Sport Ortho Physical Therapist include:
- Low Back Pain (LBP)
- Tendinosis/Tendonitis
- Wrist Pain/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- BPPV Vertigo/Balance Issues
- Osgood-Schlatters/Growing Pains
- Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Pain
- Surgical Rehabilitation/Pre-Surgery Strengthening/Preparation
- Knee Pain/Runner’s Knee/Patellofemoral Pain
- Hip Pain/Hip Weakness
How many times do I need to go to PT?
While it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, PT is typically 8-10 visits 2-3 times a week. The plan and scheduled visits will be managed together with the patient and PT.
Can PT really help me – I’m in real pain!?
Yes! Patients often come to physical therapy feeling considerable pain, and can feel significant improvement quickly. If the patient does his or her home exercise plan and works with the PT and PTA (physical therapist assistant), PT can have life-changing results while avoiding painful and expensive surgery.
To get back to feeling yourself again, call your nearest Sport Ortho Urgent Care or request an appointment using our online scheduling tool.