Orthopedic physical therapy is the provision of
care for those individuals of all ages with disorders or
dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic physical
therapists are skilled in the diagnosis, management, and prevention
of musculoskeletal disorders.
They are experts in the assessment of movement and
can help individuals move better, often with less pain, through
skilled manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education.
Orthopedic physical therapy is often provided in an outpatient
rehabilitation setting; however, orthopedic physical therapy
extends into many other health care settings, including hospitals,
homes, sports clinics, and industrial sites.
The following health conditions are often managed
by orthopedic physical therapists:
- Low back and neck pain
- Rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder problems
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Post-operative rehabilitation from orthopedic surgical
procedures
- Muscle strains
- Joint sprains/pain/swelling, including knee and ankle
injuries
- Chronic pain
- Tennis/golfer's elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome