Orthopedic physical therapists diagnose, treat and manage injuries and disorders concerning the musculoskeletal system. This specialized area also includes the rehabilitation of patients after orthopedic surgery. Working closely with, and guided by the Orthopedic surgical procedure, an orthopedic therapist deals not only in post operative procedures, but also with fractures, sprains and strains, acute sports injuries, spinal, back and neck conditions as well as arthritis and amputations.

The role of the Orthopedic physical therapist is to assist the patient after surgery or an injury in order to restore strength, motion and activity. When an injury or surgery requires specialized physical therapy, the orthopedic therapist is able to assist with targeted exercises as well as stretching and the use of specific equipment to aid the patient in recovery. By pinpointing weaknesses within the body the orthopedic physical therapist can help to relieve pain and stress to the injury site and devise a plan of therapy to ensure a swift recovery.

With vast knowledge of orthopedic surgical procedures, the orthopedic physical therapist is able to design a recovery plan that is guided by the surgeons treatment goals. Understanding the bodies boundaries post surgery makes physical therapy a positive treatment option for patients. Many times after an orthopedic surgical procedure the body can become rigid and muscles and joints will need to be stretched out again to ensure a good range of movement. Daily activities such as reaching above the head, climbing stairs or hanging out washing can be painful without proper stretching of muscles and joints after surgery or an injury. An Orthopedic physical therapist can help the patient identify exercises targeted at the injury site so that scar tissue is kept to a minimum and the contraction of the soft tissue does not hamper regular movement.

An Orthopedic physical therapist employs these types of strengthening exercises in order to improve the use of the muscles. By improving strength, endurance can be achieved thereby allowing for the improvement in the range of movement to the affected area. Obviously, the type of surgery that has been performed will dictate the specific post operative therapy required. There are general guidelines as to what the most appropriate exercises for specific injuries should entail, but the patient should always be guided by their treating Orthopedic doctor and physical therapist.

Another treatment option that Orthopedic physical therapists utilize is treatment by ultrasound. This involves deep tissue being stimulated by high frequency sound waves. This is not a frequency that the human ear is able to perceive, however. The ultrasound probe is pressed on the body and the deep tissues become stimulated by the sound waves vibrations. Blood flow increases to the tissue area and a warming sensation is experienced. This is an effective treatment in muscle spasms and tightness. Circulation is increased by the warming effects of the sound waves and healing is assisted as a result. Inflammation can be decreased with the use of ultrasound also by adjusting the frequency of the sound waves on the machine.