At Core PT & Performance, serving the communities in and around Weymouth, MA, we are dedicated to helping our patients recover from various injuries and return to their daily activities pain-free.
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for many common injuries, providing relief and promoting healing through targeted exercises and techniques. In this article, we will explore how physical therapy can help with common injuries such as low back pain, neck pain and headaches, shoulder pain, hip and knee pain, and foot and ankle pain.
Most Common Injuries That Physical Therapy Can Help Treat
Low Back Pain
Understanding Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, and degenerative conditions. Symptoms often include a dull, aching pain in the lower back, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapy for low back pain focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and strengthening the muscles supporting the spine. Treatment typically involves a combination of manual therapy, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques, such as spinal manipulation and mobilization, can help to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Stretching exercises help to alleviate muscle tightness, while strengthening exercises build core stability to support the spine and prevent future injuries.
Neck Pain & Headaches
Understanding Neck Pain and Headaches
Neck pain and headaches are often interrelated, with issues in the cervical spine contributing to tension headaches. Common causes include poor posture, muscle strain, whiplash, and cervical disc problems.
Symptoms can range from a stiff neck and limited range of motion to sharp pain and headaches radiating from the neck to the head.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapy for neck pain and headaches aims to alleviate pain, restore normal neck function, and reduce headache frequency and intensity. Treatment may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and postural education.
Manual therapy can relieve muscle tension and improve joint mobility, while specific exercises strengthen the neck and upper back muscles. Postural education teaches patients how to maintain proper alignment to reduce strain on the neck and prevent headaches.
Shoulder Pain
Understanding Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can result from various conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement, and arthritis. Symptoms typically include pain with movement, weakness, and limited range of motion.
Shoulder pain can significantly impact daily activities, making tasks such as lifting objects or reaching overhead difficult.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapy for shoulder pain focuses on reducing pain, improving strength and flexibility, and restoring normal shoulder function. Treatment may involve manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
Manual therapy can help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility, while exercises target the shoulder muscles to enhance strength and flexibility. Modalities can provide additional pain relief and promote tissue healing.
Hip & Knee Pain
Understanding Hip and Knee Pain
Hip and knee pain are common complaints, often resulting from conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, ligament injuries, and meniscal tears.
Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty with weight-bearing activities. These conditions can severely impact mobility and quality of life.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapy for hip and knee pain aims to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance overall mobility. Treatment may include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises.
Manual therapy techniques can help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility, while strengthening exercises target the muscles around the hip and knee to provide better support and stability. Stretching exercises improve flexibility, reducing strain on the joints and preventing future injuries.
Foot & Ankle Pain
Understanding Foot and Ankle Pain
Foot and ankle pain can result from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, ankle sprains, and stress fractures.
Symptoms often include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. These conditions can significantly affect daily activities and athletic performance.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapy for foot and ankle pain focuses on reducing pain, improving strength and flexibility, and restoring normal function. Treatment may involve manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities such as ice or heat therapy.
Manual therapy can help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility, while exercises target the muscles and tendons around the foot and ankle to enhance strength and flexibility. Modalities provide additional pain relief and reduce inflammation.
Why Choose Core PT & Performance?
At Core PT & Performance, we are committed to providing personalized, high-quality care to help you recover from your injuries and achieve your health goals. Our highly trained therapists use state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to deliver effective treatments tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you are dealing with low back pain, neck pain and headaches, shoulder pain, hip and knee pain, or foot and ankle pain, our team is here to help you on your path to recovery.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Our treatment plans are customized to address your unique condition and goals. We believe in a holistic approach to therapy, combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education to ensure the best possible outcomes.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our clinics in Randolph and Weymouth are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide you with the highest standard of care.
We maintain a comfortable and welcoming environment to support your recovery journey.
Highly Trained Therapists
Our team of physical therapists has extensive training and experience in treating a wide range of injuries and conditions. We are committed to continuous learning and professional development to provide the best care for our patients.
Ready for a pain free lifestyle? Contact us to book a free 15 minute consultation with our physical therapists today!
Q&A Section
Common Questions About Physical Therapy for Injuries
How long does it take to see results from physical therapy?
The timeline for seeing results varies depending on the severity of your condition and your adherence to the treatment plan. Many patients begin to notice improvements within a few weeks of starting therapy.
Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?
In many cases, you can see a physical therapist without a referral. However, some insurance plans may require a referral from your primary care physician. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific requirements.
How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?
The frequency of sessions will depend on your specific condition and treatment plan. Typically, patients attend physical therapy two to three times per week, with the frequency decreasing as they progress.
Will physical therapy be painful?
Physical therapy should not be painful. While you may experience some discomfort during certain exercises or manual therapy techniques, your therapist will work with you to ensure that the treatment is as comfortable as possible.