Physical Therapy and Exercise Programs for Improved Functionality

As we age, our muscles tend to become weak and lose their elasticity. In order to restore and enhance the flexibility of the body, physical therapy treatments are prescribed. Physical therapy treatment procedures utilize various strengthening and stretching exercises to restore normal body functioning. Physical therapy has been found to be beneficial for people of all age groups. Physical therapy exercises are intended to help patients recover from the pain which may have resulted from injury or diseases. Problems relating to the back, spine, neck, leg or even the neuromuscular system can be treated effectively through rehabilitation programs. Physical therapy and exercise programs for improved functionality are offered at leading pain management centers.

Effective Physical Therapy Programs at a Pain Management Center

Patients who have been diagnosed with pain can approach a pain management center that offers physical therapy services. Before starting therapy, your condition will be diagnosed via an examination as well as using MRI and other diagnostics. Your therapist will then develop a treatment plan that would work best for restoring and improving your mobility. The physical therapy modalities that may be prescribed include:

• Massage and Myofascial Release: This is basically a hands-on technique where gentle but sustained pressure is applied to the soft tissues of the body that will help relieve pain and bring back motion.
• Ice or heat: Alternate use of hot and cold packs can provide pain relief and reduce swelling and other symptoms of muscle or joint injury. Heat therapy is found beneficial to increase blood flow to the muscles and thereby accelerate the healing process. Cold therapy in the form of ice packs can ease muscle pain, spasms and inflammation.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This sends small electrical pulses to the area that needs to be treated.
• Ultrasound therapy: In this, high pitched sound waves are targeted on the affected area, which generate mild heat to minimize pain.
• Traction: This aims to reduce muscle spasm and relieve pressure on nerves

Physical Therapy Exercises to Improve Mobility

To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, therapists may prescribe certain exercises along with the above modalities. The physical therapist and his assistants will help with different exercise programs tailored to meet the specific requirements of patients. Some of the commonly prescribed physical therapy exercises include strengthening exercise, stretching exercise, balance exercise, and endurance exercise. These days, physical therapy rehabilitation programs are commonly used for patients recuperating after surgery. Here, the therapist recommends certain exercises to restore the strength of the muscles which may have become weak. However, these physical therapy and exercise programs for improved functionality will be effective only if you consistently follow the instructions of your therapist.