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Physical Therapy Services: Modalities Beyond Massage


Physical Therapy Services: Modalities Beyond Massage
Depending on pain symptoms or injury type, there are often multiple treatment patterns which can be implemented to address the issue. Physical therapy allows for an abundance of measures to attack each problem area specifically with individualized applications, making it one of the most efficient and effective ways to rehabilitate the human body. Being able to address an injury through multiple treatment patterns also often allows patients to enjoy a quicker recovery and sustainability as they return to everyday activities. 

More than one in five Americans experiences chronic pain, making treatment for these issues a priority. While most individuals are familiar with massage, its usage and multiple benefits, there are also a variety of other options pain sufferers can implement to garner some relief. Seeking the help of a physical therapist is essential as they can develop a plan specifically to address the needs of each individual patient, helping those in need to regain control of their lives.

Hypervolt Percussion Therapy

The use of a Hypervolt device typically relates to muscle injuries and allows physical therapists to target a particular area and vibrate the muscles. This not only increases blood flow to the injured area, but it also allows for the muscles to expand naturally, helping alleviate pain or any other discomfort. 

Infrared Light Therapy

These devices utilize light to effectively treat areas with bad circulation, commonly occurring muscle spasms, or unusual inflammation. For those suffering discomfort who may be prone to pain through percussion therapy, the utilization of infrared light is certainly a useful alternative.

Kinesiotaping

It seems athletes have always used tape to help with support, prevent injuries, or assist when there is a sprain or strain potentially present. These taping methods have allowed for many athletes to continue playing and kinesiotaping is an evolution of this practice. This specialized adhesive not only offers support and protection for athletes, but it can also reduce swelling after repetitive use of a particular muscle or joint.

Electrical Nerve Stimulation

A tens unit is also useful for physical therapists as they utilize low voltage currents to aid in treating a variety of different ailments. Typically used for pain relief, the implementation of a tens unit allows the area of discomfort to be targeted for specific relief. Most commonly applied to back or knee pain, the tens unit is another useful tool for those who may be suffering from chronic or even short-term pain.

If you have suffered an injury or know someone who has chronic pain, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Most Common Treatment Areas for Pain


Physical Therapy Services: Most Common Treatment Areas for Pain
Physical therapy services can be beneficial for a variety of different individuals and reasons. While many people associate physical therapy with athletes and those who have undergone surgery due to illness or injury, there are actually many benefits for individuals from all walks of life at any age. The versatility and variety of services, combined with unique applications specifically designed for each patient allow for physical therapy to treat a huge range of conditions.

In a recent poll of 1,000 Americans, over half revealed having undergone some form of physical therapy treatment. These areas range from injury recovery to work related issues, but there are certain portions of the body which are more prevalent than most to receive care. For those seeking treatment due to mobility pain or other issues, these joints and other areas of the body are most likely the cause.

Knee Pain

One of the most common areas of pain which requires physical therapy is often associated with the knee. A key joint for mobility purposes, when pain or discomfort is prevalent it can be extremely detrimental to the suffering individual. Whether from injury, over-use, or any other factor, getting proper treatment which aids in a full recovery is essential.

Neck Pain

While knee pain is often the result of a mobility issue, people can encounter neck pain while not moving at all - sometimes even while sleeping. Have you ever woken with a sharp pain across your neck, shoulders, and/or upper back? This could be the result of a nerve issue which also may be treated with a proper physical therapy regimen.

Hip Pain

As individuals age, the prevalence of hip pain seems to rise. As a result, this area of the body has also become one of the most commonly associated treatment targets for physical therapy. Another mobility concern, hips not only provide transportational components, but they are also a foundational base of support for the human body.

Back Pain

Injured workers account for numerous individuals who routinely seek physical therapy treatment services and the most common is related to back issues. Lifting, bending, kneeling, and other movements commonly needed in a variety of different jobs can lead to back pain or discomfort. A proper physical therapy plan will not only target and alleviate the existing condition, but also provide support for a proper return to work plan in order to avoid any future injuries.

Shoulder Pain

Finally, the shoulder is another ball and socket joint (similar to the hip) which often requires treatment. This can also be due to an accident or injury, but many patients require shoulder treatment simply based on overuse. As the body ages, changes begin to occur causing more areas of concern and these complex joints are highlighted for potential issues as time passes.

If you or someone you know suffers from pain in these areas, needs extra assistance with mobility, or is seeking services for a preventative reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Most Common Lower Back Pain Issues


Physical Therapy Services: Most Common Lower Back Pain Issues
Suffering from lower back pain can be excruciating for individuals, regardless of their age. While those who are younger or more athletic may recuperate at a faster pace, when pain is present, it can be extremely debilitating for all. Finding solutions to these issues and learning from its cause are both helpful measures for anyone currently suffering. In addition, seeking physical therapy assistance may not only improve your recovery timeline but it can also aid in avoiding any repeat occurrences.

Chronic and severe back pain is the leading cause of job-related disability in America. With so many days missed and employees leaving the workforce due to these issues, finding solutions while understanding causes with proper treatment patterns is essential. Physical therapy programs are individualized by design and while each situation is unique, there are common applications and workplace related assistance to help these individuals. Particularly through return-to-work style programs, those affected will have the resources available to combat back pain issues from any of these most common causes.

Strains/Sprains From Everyday Movements

A simple sneeze is often the thing which may just be the reason someone suffers a lower back injury. Any other quick or unexpected movements also have the ability to cause a strain or sprain in the lower back area. Lifting objects incorrectly, turning too quickly, sitting at a desk all day, there are multiple everyday occurrences which may be the culprit behind an individual routinely feeling discomfort or pain in their lower back.
Injury

Associated with each of those regular movements are also injuries which occur to individuals that cause issues. Falling down the steps or slipping on ice, being involved in a car wreck, or any other blunt force trauma all have the potential to result in back pain. Getting proper treatment for these issues, as soon as possible, is critical to avoid a chronic recurrence or any lingering suffering from these actions.

Sciatica/Nerve Problems

The sciatic nerve tends to appear and begin causing problems as individuals age. Along with this most commonly recognized nerve, plenty of others may become pinched in the lower back causing pain or discomfort. Chronic tingling sensations can also be bothersome for individuals and may be helped through a properly designed physical therapy regimen.
Posture

Unfortunately, an individual’s personal posture is often related to their lower back pain or issue. Physical therapists are able to assist individuals with their strength, balance, and coordination in order to help improve any of these noticeable issues. 

If you or someone you know needs treatment for lower back pain, suffers from chronic mobility issues, or may be seeking physical therapy services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Employment Screening Opportunities


Physical therapy services offer multiple benefits to employees in any business. From those who sit at a desk inside an office all day to construction workers moving and operating heavy equipment regularly in the elements, there are multiple positive impacts of physical therapy. Not only do these services allow for workers to operate efficiently, but they also assist in helping those who have been injured return to the workplace better than before.

There are millions of worker compensation claims annually across the United States, costing employers in multiple areas. Not only monetarily, but when employees are injured the business often suffers in productivity and other essential aspects by not being fully staffed. Understanding the best operational practices, even prior to an injury occurring, helps keep businesses functioning in the safest environment possible. However, if an injury does occur, offering physical therapy services - including return to work screenings - helps in many different ways.

Fitness

General fitness is a lifestyle achievement which has multiple benefits, including a more efficient worker. Included within any work screening, an employee's general level of fitness can be calculated with suggestions for improvement or support shared with both the individual and their employer.

Body Mechanics

Each person's work environment, expectations, and job performance varies considerably, even for those working within the same company. This necessitates a personalized approach for any related work screenings and also allows for the individualized approach of physical therapy to be a unique tool available to address each of these different conditions.

Flexibility

Stretching and flexibility components allow for many employees to perform their job functions easier and with a reduced potential for injury. Understanding the importance of these factors and addressing them through any pre-employment or post-injury screenings can be helpful to businesses as their workforce expands.

Balance

Regardless of employment, balance factors contribute to even the most basic body movements and maneuverability. Understanding how to improve these factors or when the need for more stabilization may be necessary is important to employees in all occupational areas.

Strength

The strength of each employee is going to vary, but being able to capitalize on the physical capabilities of each individual worker may aid in productivity. In addition, a physical therapist can offer support, exercises, and other options to assist in helping employees get the most out of their physique for the job to which they are assigned. Whether it's a return-to-work screening on performance or a pre-work review to fit an employee with their optimal task, the results of combining physical therapy and work are beneficial.

If you own a business or know someone who suffers from chronic pain, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Cerebrovascular Patient Goals


Physical Therapy Services: Cerebrovascular Patient Goals
Most people associate physical therapy with injuries. Patients are given a rehabilitation protocol to follow in order to return movement in various limbs, joints, or other range of motion expectations. While true, this extremely limits the capabilities proven to be effective for many physical therapists across the country. Beyond activity style injuries, physical therapy is often applied to those suffering from cancer, people with growth issues, and many more instances - including cerebrovascular patients. 

A cerebrovascular accident often occurs unexpectedly with varying degrees of impact and type. These events, commonly referred to as a stroke, are known to be debilitating and require almost immediate medical attention. When detected early, the patient's chance of survival with minimal impacts improves considerably. Due to the dangers of these cerebrovascular incidents, patients are often left with a need for physical therapy services in order to assist with their recovery.

Strength

Focusing on regaining strength throughout the body is important after suffering a stroke. Fortunately, each individual’s personal recovery plan of action will be set specific to their needs and goals. Instead of serving a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, physical therapists create exercises and actions to best implement results.

Balance

Another area often impacted by a stroke involves balance. These characteristics can be especially important to address as it is a cornerstone of mobility. Creating a plan of action to improve or restore balance components is paramount on the road to recovery.

Coordination

Combining these feats of balance and strength focuses on coordination. Even simple movements often become complex depending on the severity of an individual’s cerebrovascular incident. Orchestrating an approach to encompass each of these needs is extremely helpful.

Education

Educating individuals and their immediate loved ones is also an important part of the physical therapy recovery process. Physical therapists often provide patients with activities which can be completed between visits in order to assist with the recovery process. Giving both the patient and their support group the tools to understand why the curated individualized approach is best for recovery and treatments remains a key goal to assist everyone involved.

Quality of Life

Ultimately, the goal for any physical therapy program is to improve an existing quality of life and this remains true for cerebrovascular patients. Depending on the severity of their episode, a personalized action plan will be implemented to provide patients with the best quality of life possible for their situation. 

If you or someone you know has sustained a cerebrovascular episode, suffers from chronic pain, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
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