What is orthopedic PT??

Orthopedics is the branch of medicine concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat the musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital conditions. Modern orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal research has sought to make surgery less invasive and to make implanted components better and more durable. Treatments of the muskuloskeletal conditions may also include physical therapy to facilitate improvements in function, speed recovery and manage pain.

Orthopedic physical therapy: treatment of disease or conditions as by some rehabilitating or curative process including physical exercise, movement or activity and pertaining to the musculoskeletal system that is comprised of bones, muscle, connective tissue and nerves.

Orthopedic physical therapy will include non-operative conditions, pre operative conditions and post operative conditions. Non operative conditions include patients experiencing pain, decreased functional ability or chronic disease state who are not surgical candidates. These people can benefit from physical therapy programs designed to correct
muscular imbalances or functional deficits, restore normal functional activity and redirect or retard the disease process. Pre operative conditions include patients that have been experiencing pain or decreased functional activity who are considering surgery as an option. These people can benefit from a physical therapy program prior to their procedure. Postoperative conditions include patients who have had a musculoskeletal surgery. These people often have difficulty regaining proper movement and function and can benefit from a physical therapy program designed to restore proper functional activity and prevent further injury or re-occurrence of a pre surgical condition.

Physical therapy can help people return to their regular activities by decreasing pain, increasing range of motion and flexibility, improving strength and educating the patient.

Jim Kostrewa, PT