Physical Therapy

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy prevents, diagnoses, and treats injuries and physical disabilities. Suppose you have a physical impairment that affects your ability to function. In that case, the experienced providers at Voss Family Clinic can develop an individualized physical therapy plan that improves your mobility, flexibility, and range of motion.

Your family medicine professional works with you to help you reach your recovery goals and improve your quality of life.

How does physical therapy work?

The first step in physical therapy is creating your personalized care plan. Your Voss Family Clinic provider reviews your medical history and discusses your symptoms. They ask multiple questions to diagnose your condition and assess your pain level to develop your individualized plan. Your provider may ask:

• What symptoms are you experiencing? 
• What is your primary concern?
• When did you suffer an injury or develop new symptoms?
• Have you suffered injuries in the past that may have contributed to this?
• How long have you been experiencing pain and other uncomfortable symptoms?
• What does your daily routine look like?
• How often do you exercise? 
• What is your preferred exercise type?
• What are your goals with physical therapy?

Once your provider gathers this information, they perform a head-to-toe physical exam. They may also order lab work, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging scans like X-rays and computed tomography (CT).

Who can benefit from physical therapy?

The experienced family medicine specialists at Voss Family Clinic recommend physical therapy to address acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) conditions, such as:

• Arthritis
• Herniated disc
• Sciatica
• Hip pain
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Knee pain
• Back pain

Physical therapy is also ideal for individuals who play sports regularly. A comprehensive plan can help prevent injuries and reduce your risk of reinjury if you have an existing condition.

What does physical therapy involve?

The physical therapists at Voss Family Clinic tailor your plan to address your specific needs. Once your provider performs an initial assessment, they can create an individualized plan that may include the following:

• Exercises and stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion
• Massage therapy
• Manipulative techniques
• Nutritional education
• Assistive device training
• Lifestyle counseling
• Coordination with other specialists

Physical therapy can help you regain strength, mobility, and, in some cases, independence. Call Voss Family Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.