How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Joint Pain

For joint injuries and surgery, physical therapy plays a vital part in your recovery, helping you heal faster, increase your range of motion, and reduce scar tissue and pain.

Physical therapy is a treatment method doctors often recommend to help with recovery following a surgery or injury or to alleviate the pains of long-term problems. The goal of physical therapy is to make movement and activity easier, reduce pain, restore muscular function and strength, and return patients to their daily activities, work, or recreation quickly and safely.

If you’re experiencing severe, chronic joint pain due to an acute injury or years of wear and tear, physical therapy can be used to help you stay active and healthy in a variety of ways:

• As a Conservative Treatment: Your doctor can prescribe physical therapy and work with your therapist to develop a treatment plan to strengthen your joints and reduce limitations from joint pain and stiffness.
• Before Surgery: If your treatment plan includes surgery, such as a joint replacement procedure, your doctor and physical therapy team can help you prepare for surgery by providing a number of joint strengthening exercises to make your recovery much more manageable.
• After Surgery: Using specialized techniques and protocols, physical therapists are able to assist with your recovery while working closely with your doctor. They can teach you how to properly function with your new joint and provide the support needed for you to regain your strength and mobility.

If you are living with joint pain, you may benefit from specialized care with our licensed, certified physical therapists. To consult with one of our total joint experts at Appalachian Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (423) 434-6300.