What Happens at Your First Physical Therapy Appointment?

Physical therapy is a way of treating pain and movement disorders primarily using exercise and treatment modalities rather than drugs. It can be effective at treating a wide range of complaints and is often a major factor in rehabilitation from an injury or surgery. Because your physical therapy plan is tailored to you, your therapist has to have a good understanding of your condition and what is causing it. The first appointment is very important to helping your therapist understand your condition. Therefore, the examination will be more detailed than at subsequent visits, where you and the therapist will concentrate more on putting the plan into action.

Subjective History

Your physical therapist will start out your first appointment by asking you to describe your condition subjectively. He or she will ask you to describe what symptoms you are having and whether anything makes them better or worse. You will be asked when the pain began and what you think could have caused it. If you don’t know what is causing your pain, it’s okay to say so. Your therapist is just trying to collect all relevant information. Any information you can provide may be helpful, so just answer as completely and honestly as you can. If you have imaging studies to give to your therapist, this is the time to give them to him or her.

Objective Examination

Your physical therapist will then perform an objective examination. This involves palpation of tender areas with his or her hands to gauge pain level, measuring range of motion, and performing tests. Based on the results of this objective examination and the subjective history, the therapist can get an idea of what is causing the pain.

Assessment

Your therapist’s assessment is like a diagnosis. Based on the information gathered from the history and objective examination, as well as any imaging studies and doctor’s records, if applicable, your therapist identifies your condition and its likely cause.

Plan and Goals

During your first therapy appointment, you and your therapist will work together to identify goals that you want to achieve over the course of treatment. These should be specific and measurable so your therapist can track your progress and determine when your goals have been met. Your therapist will also give you a plan for your treatment course. This will identify what you will do during sessions as well as what you will have to do outside of therapy appointments.

Subsequent physical therapy appointments in Baltimore, MD, like ones you can make at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic focus more on the treatments you receive than the diagnostics. Contact our office to schedule your initial appointment.

Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medical procedure that harnesses the power of the body’s natural healing capacity. As a knee pain doctor can explain, stem cell therapy uses the body’s own unique and versatile stem cells to encourage whole-body healing. If you’re wondering how this cutting-edge treatment can help you, read on.

What are Stem Cells?

A stem cell is a unique kind of cell that can adapt into specialized cells. Each part of the body has its own individualized cell type and structure. For instance, liver cells are only useful in the liver; brain cells are only needed in the brain, and so forth. However, stem cells have a significant difference. They can adapt and differentiate into different types of cells. 

So, once injected into a certain are, a stem cell can become a liver cell, a brain cell, a knee cartilage cell, etc. No matter where they are injected into the body, they will adapt and divide, supplying a source of healthy cells to that specific area of the body. Injecting stem cells into a particular part of the body can help to rebuild and regenerate damaged tissue. Stem cells continuously divide, so a single injection can bring ongoing benefits.

Where Do Stem Cells Come From?

Pluripotent stem cells are “master” cells. They have the potential to produce any cell or tissue the body needs to repair and regenerate. They are typically extracted from embryos and fetal tissues. However, due to ethical concerns, most stem cell doctors use adult stem cells, which are usually found in the bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue.

Adult stem cells are extracted from primarily two areas. They can be taken from the bone marrow in the hip area. They can also be obtained from the abdomen. Bone marrow extraction of stem cells usually yields fewer cells than those gathered through abdominal liposuction. 

What Conditions Do Stem Cells Have the Potential to Treat?

Due to its versatility, stem cell therapy can be useful for treating a broad range of health issues, including:

• Joint damage
• Damaged cartilage
• Bone damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Autoimmune disorders
• Torn ligaments and muscles
• Baldness
• Arthritis
• And more

How Does Stem Cell Therapy Help Arthritic Patients?

Arthritis is a disease that many people suffer from. Some people only suffer mild pain and discomfort, while others may have issues with mobility and sustaining their active lifestyles. Many who experience more severe forms of arthritis may have to alter their work schedules or refrain from their home and leisure activities.

Numerous forms of conventional treatment options are available for arthritic patients. Anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid shots, physical therapy, and painkillers—all of these may still lead a patient to joint replacement. However, stem cell therapy is a viable option for many of these patients. It can actually serve to help them avoid major surgical procedures.

If you are suffering from arthritis or another issue that could respond favorably to stem cells, you owe it to yourself and your aging body to use stem cell therapy to regenerate tissue, rather than replace it with an artificial implant. To find out more, contact a knee pain doctor in your local area for a consultation.

There are many occasions when it’s smart to consult physical therapy in Bowie, MD. An expert physical therapist can help diagnose any issues you may have and prescribe treatment that will get you back on the right track, improving your overall health. However, you may find yourself wondering how the entire process works. Luckily, our staff at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic can answer any lingering questions you may have!  

Who Is Physical Therapy For? 

You might believe that physical therapy is only something prescribed/recommended by your doctor following a serious injury or medical condition. This is a common myth and while in those scenarios, physical therapy is often recommended, there are other reasons to visit a physical therapist. These reasons may include preventing any future injuries, reducing general or chronic pain, and improving overall health and wellness. For example, it’s not uncommon for athletes and older patients to incorporate physical therapy sessions as part of their routine. 

If you believe that you could benefit from physical therapy, your physician will work with you to construct a specialized plan based upon your goals and needs. This plan will be adjusted as needed between sessions. 

How Will a Physical Therapist Help? 

When you enlist the services of physical therapy in Bowie, MD, there are a variety of ways that your physical therapist can help. The treatment they administer may depend upon your specific needs, but generally, a therapist will have a series of physical exercises and techniques that help their patients alleviate/prevent injuries. They may even use specialized equipment such as exercise bands and weights. As you become more comfortable with the exercise routines, (and after monitoring any changes or progresses in your overall health) your doctor may then incorporate more varied exercises. 

Of course, while physical therapists are required to obtain certifications for their training and thus are great at detecting whether or not an exercise routine is working, don’t be afraid to communicate with your physician. If a certain exercise is too taxing on your body or you simply believe it’s not working, you can let your therapist know. 

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy? 

There are many benefits that physical therapy can offer. In addition to helping rebuild your muscles and body following a serious injury, physical therapy can also help prevent future injuries. This can especially be crucial as some injuries may lead to irreversible damages that may need intense medical treatments such as invasive surgery or the prolonged use of medication. Physical therapy will also give you the tools to learn practical exercises that you can continue to utilize at home. Paired with other treatments such as a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and alleviating stress, physical therapy can help foster a long, fulfilling life. 

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Physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits. If you or a loved are in need of physical therapy in Bowie, MD then you should contact Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic today!

There are many situations where enlisting the help of physical therapy in Baltimore, MD can be beneficial to your overall health and well-being. While there is a myth that physical therapy is only for patients dealing with severe medical conditions or who have suffered serious injuries, the truth is physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits for a variety of patients. Whether you’ve been recommended by your doctor to receive physical therapy, are dealing with some chronic pain or an injury that just won’t heal on its own, or simply want to incorporate sessions into an overall healthy lifestyle, you should visit us at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic. 

What Benefits Does Physical Therapy Offer? 

Physical therapy offers plenty of benefits. The immediate benefits include helping to mitigate the pain caused by an injury or medical condition as well as rebuilding muscles and leading to greater mobility. Additionally, physical therapy is also used to treat patients that have experienced a recent stroke or other episodes of cognitive impairments. 

No matter the reason why you’re receiving physical therapy in Baltimore, MD, such services will also help by preventing any future injuries or the development of certain medical conditions. Sometimes even a minor injury can increase over time which may lead to needing invasive treatments such as intensive surgeries or the prolonged use of medicine. By catching a problem early on, physical therapy allows patients to mitigate an issue before it becomes too serious. 

What Treatment Will My Therapist Prescribe? 

When meeting with a physical therapist, they will structure a personalized plan tailored to your own specific needs and goals. Typically, however, most sessions will consist of doing a series of exercises that may incorporate specialized equipment such as exercise bands and dumbbells. Your therapist will then monitor your progress across sessions and may begin to incorporate different exercises targeting different parts of your body as well as increasing the overall difficulty. Of course, you will want to communicate with your physical therapist every step of the way. If a certain routine is too difficult or you believe it simply isn’t working, you can let your therapist know and they will adjust the routine. 

Additionally, your physical therapist may also recommend take-home exercises that you can do between sessions. Other treatments may include recommending changes in your diet and lifestyle, including ways to alleviate stress. 

How Long Will Treatment Last? 

Every patient is different and for patients with only minor injuries or discomfort, their treatment may only last a few sessions. For patients with severe injuries or medical conditions, their treatment may last up to a year or more. Ultimately, your physician will work with you to find the best treatment plan. 

Contact Us Today

Physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits and whether you’ve suffered a recent injury or medical condition or just want to live a healthier lifestyle then you should contact our office. At Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic we offer great physical therapy in Baltimore, MD. 

If you are dealing with chronic pain, physical therapy in Baltimore, MD may be helpful. The non-invasive treatment can treat many injuries and ailments and aims to restore range of motion and flexibility. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about physical therapy.

What’s Involved in a Typical Physical Therapy Session?

A physical therapy session typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. During your initial session, your therapist will ask you multiple questions about your condition and give you a proper examination. He or she will have you move around and evaluate your balance, strength, flexibility, mobility and range of motion. 

After the initial evaluation, your therapist will create a customized treatment plan and may use several types of therapies, such as joint mobilization, manual manipulation, heat, ice and ultrasound. He or she will also have you perform several exercises to reduce your pain and improve flexibility and mobility.

What Should I Wear to My Physical Therapy Appointments?

It is important to wear comfortable and loose clothes for your physical therapy sessions. You will have to move around frequently during each appointment, so wear athletic gear, like shorts, a t-shirt and gym shoes. Your clothes should also give your therapist easy access to the injured body part. For example, if you have a shoulder injury, you may want to wear a sleeveless shirt.

Why Do I Have to Do Exercises at Home?

In order to make a successful recovery, you have to take an active role in your healing process. Besides attending physical therapy in Baltimore, MD regularly, you will have to perform the home exercises your therapist assigns you. While performing these exercises may be tedious at times, it’s important to keep up with them.

How Long Will I Have to Attend Physical Therapy?

Everyone is different. How long you attend physical therapy may depend on several different factors, such as your age, the severity of your injury, your diet and immune system. After giving you a proper evaluation, your therapist may be able to estimate how many sessions you will require.

Is Physical Therapy Covered By Insurance?

Many health insurance companies nowadays recognize the benefits of physical therapy and cover it in their plans. However, just to be sure, call your insurance company beforehand. Schedule an appointment for physical therapy in Baltimore, MD With Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab today.