Orthopedic physical therapy involves the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this specific type of therapy is to assist the patient with pain relief, to prevent or limit the degree of disability and/or to assist the patient to regain the self sufficiency and productivity that was achieved prior to the injury or procedure. The aim of the Orthopedic physical therapist is to return the patient to an otherwise active and healthy lifestyle through the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

The Orthopedic physical therapist will evaluate the patient along with the Orthopedic surgeons recommendations. A thorough history evaluation as well as postural assessment will be made. The Orthopedic therapist will then assess the range of motion and degree of strength with the use of measurements. This is a hands-on therapy and will include the mobilization of joints and soft tissue, as well as core stabilization and body mechanics exercises.

Accidents victims and patients that have undergone severe illness or disease of the musculoskeletal system will see an Orthopedic therapist to assist them to become mobile as well as provide some flexibility and assist in fine motor skills such as balance and co-ordination. A physical therapist may see patients that have suffered accidents, had surgery, trauma to the brain, birth defects, strokes and spinal cord injuries. They may also see patients that have had breaks, sprains and strains to any of the muscles, tendons and ligaments and bones. Any musculoskeletal condition and disorder as well as neuromusculor condition can be followed up by the Orthopedic physical therapist.

When visiting an Orthopedic therapist the treatment options will be specifically chosen and designed according to the patients individual requirements and condition. Some of the treatments can include massage therapy, strength and stretching exercises, coordination and balance training. The Orthopedic therapist may also employ the use of hot packs and cold compresses as well as other ultrasound and electrical stimulation devices. All of these methods aid in restoring movement and function to the patient and can be prescribed over a course of days, weeks, months and occasionally, depending on the severity of the condition, years.

Orthopedic Physical therapy provides a positive treatment plan for the patient and helps them to regain the activity and lifestyle that they had prior to the condition sooner. Many times treatment is sought to help conditions where medication alone has not been able to assist. With the combination of intense physical therapy and close observation and consultation with the Orthopedic Surgeon, a patient can make remarkable recovery and progress. The basic aim of improving the daily functioning of the patient can be built upon to enable them to return to more rigorous or finer tuned activities with time.

Understanding the limitations of the human body and the rate at which it will recover from injury or debilitating conditions means that there are no rapid fixes to movement and mobilization affected injuries. However, working closely with the Orthopedic surgeon and the physical therapist will give your injury or condition the best possible opportunity for recovery in the most appropriate time frame.