Rehabilitation
By Laura Inverarity, D.O., About.com Guide to Physical Therapy
There are many components that comprise a well rounded comprehensive rehabilitation program. From initial management to final recovery, a treatment program must be flexible to adjust to the needs of each individual patient.
Injury Prevention
Using prevention strategies in your everyday life is an important way to help prevent injuries before they occur. Injury prevention includes everything from proper seat positioning at work to stretching before performing strenuous activities. Learn how to save yourself from common injuries.
- Preventing Falls At Home
- Safe Lifting Techniques
- Proper Chair Positioning
- Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
After An Injury
You've just suffered from an injury, now what? If the injury is serious, you should always see a health care professional for further evaluation. X-ray imaging may be required to evaluate for bone involvement. Following basic first aid can help alleviate the initial pain associated with post injury swelling.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching tight muscles is an important way to prevent injury from occurring. It is also an important treatment technique in the recovery from injury. Stretching benefits people of all ages and fitness levels.
- Stretching 101
- Morning Stretches
- Leg Stretches
- Stretches for Golfers
- Low Back Stretches
- Stretches for Neck Tightness
- Foot Pain? Plantar Fasciitis Relief
- Quadricep Stretches with Pictures
- Recovering After An Ankle Sprain
- Self Assisted Neck Stretches
- Piriformis Muscle Stretches
- Stretches To Prevent and Ease the Pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Easy Knee Stretches
- Stretches for Tight Calf Muscles
- Iliotibial Band Stretches
- Morning Exercises
- Low Back Stretches
- Stretches to Increase Hamstring Flexibility
- Ankle Stretches
- Ankle Warm Up Stretches
Strengthening Exercises
Building strong muscles is an important way to provide joint stability. Strengthening exercises are also important after sustaining injuries that require resting the affected limb. There are many ways to strengthen muscles. Your therapist will guide you through the appropriate techniques best suited for your stage of recovery.
- Core Strengthening
- Ankle Strengthening
- Leg Strengthening
- Hip Strengthening
- Abdominal Strengthening
- Elbow Muscle Strengthening
- Rotator Cuff Exercises
- Aquatic Therapy
- Wall Slides
- Quadricep Strengthening
- Weight Lifting Safety
- Gluteal Strengthening
Post-Operative Recovery
After surgery, most patients are started on a recovery program prescribed by their physician and over seen by a physical therapist. Discomfort after surgery often leads to decreased use of the affected area. This leads to stiffness and weakness. As a result, early rehabilitation helps to prevent this from occurring.
- Recovering From Total Knee Replacement
- Exercises After Shoulder Surgery
- Activity Restrictions After Hip Replacement
- Post-Operative Weight Bearing Restrictions
- Exercises After Knee Arthroscopy
- Yoga Therapy
- Improving Your Balance
- REcovering From Hip Replacement Surgery
Walking Aids
Walking aids include devices such as crutches, canes and walkers. These help to reduce weight on an injured leg to assist in the healing process. Walking aids also help the elderly maintain their balance during upright activities. Before using any one of these aids, you should undergo proper instruction by a health care professional.
Common PT Tools
Physical therapists often use heat, cold, ultrasound, and electricity to help speed recovery from an injury. Each of these play a special role in the rehabilitation process. Ice is often used early in the injury phase to help decrease swelling while heat is used later to loosen up tight muscles. The benefits of yoga are also being integrated into physical therapy rehabilitation programs. Learn more about these useful therapeutic resources.
Exercising and Pregnancy
With modification, exercising can be continued throughout pregnancy. Of course, get your doctors permission before participating in any activity.
Succeeding In Therapy
Hard work and a positive attitude is one way to succeed in therapy. However, it is most important that your expectations be realistic. This is where your physical therapist will help. After a through evaluation, your therapist will help determine appropriate expectations with the help of your input.
