“Physical therapy is a conservative (non-surgical) way to reduce pain as well as maintain, recover, or improve physical abilities for those impacted by aging, disease or injury. “
What does that mean exactly?
Well, depending on a physical therapist’s training, you could have quite a difference experience!
In school, a physical therapist is trained to examine, evaluate, and treat impairments with the goal of improving mobility, function, and ultimately quality of life.
There are tons of ways to do this including manual interventions (using our hands to mobilize joints and tissues), developing customized exercise programs, and using modalities like trigger point dry needling. We are facilitators of healing and educators of self care.
Physical therapists may extend their knowledge in whatever area they choose, within their scope of practice (which continues to evolve and occupies a huge space in preventative medicine!).
My specialty is primarily orthopedics which means I’m good with using my hands to manipulate and mobilize joints and soft tissue. I have taken numerous continuing education courses to improve my knowledge and skillset in other areas too including scoliosis management, sports rehabilitation, breathing dysfunction and complimentary medicine.
But there is more. Experience.
I have been in the field a long time. I have made it my passion and duty to stay abreast of the research without losing sight of an important point. The human body is extremely complex.
Two people with the same diagnosis will respond very differently to the same treatment. You are unique. Therefore, your program must be customized to suit your condition and lifestyle. I won’t hand you a sheet of exercises for “shoulder pain” or “back pain”. I listen, and will design a plan that works for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about your specific condition or if I am the right person for you, contact me! I’d be happy to talk and if we aren’t a good fit, guide you in the right direction.