Physical Therapy Baltimore, MD

Dedicated Physical Therapy Treatment

If you are suffering from pain, our Baltimore, MD physical therapy services are here for you. You may need physical therapy to relieve pain, improve movement or ability, prevent or recover from a sports injury, prevent disability or surgery, rehabilitation after a stroke or injury, work on balance, adapt to an artificial limb, learn how to use assistive devices like a walker or cane and more. We’re passionate about helping people regain control of their lifestyles through meaningful movement and personalized exercises. We have locations all over Maryland, so schedule your appointment with Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic today.

What Is Physical Therapy?

If you believe that you might need physical therapy or if your doctor has suggested it then you are probably wondering what exactly is physical therapy? According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapists are trained and licensed movement experts. They can diagnose and treat a range of injuries, disabilities, and health conditions. Physical therapists are focused on improving a person’s range of movement and quality of life to prevent further injury or disability. Some conditions physical therapy can assist with include:

• Cardiopulmonary conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and post-myocardial infarction
• Conditions affecting the hand like carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger
• Musculoskeletal dysfunction like back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders
• Neurological conditions like a stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injuries
• Pediatric conditions including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
• Sports-related injuries 
• Female health and pelvic floor dysfunction like urinary incontinence and lymphedema
• Skin conditions or injuries such as burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers

Physical therapy utilizes scientific-based clinical treatment methods to restore, maintain, and promote optimal physical function. Physical therapists can diagnose and manage movement dysfunction, enhance physical and functional abilities, restore and promote physical function and optimal wellness and fitness, and more.

Types Of Physical Therapy

There are many types of physical therapy and many therapists that specialize in certain areas, such as orthopedic physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy, neurological physical therapy, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, wound care therapy, vestibular therapy, decongestive therapy, and pelvic floor rehabilitation. As I was saying, various types of physical therapy could help you to achieve your optimal wellness.

Paralysis is often one of the results of a stroke. During the first phase of recovery, your Baltimore physical therapy plan will include working with the area of paralysis to keep those muscles stimulated and toned, help prevent stiffness, and maintain circulation. In doing so, if and when the function is returned to those areas, it may be easier for a patient to regain movement.

In the first meeting at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, you will receive a thorough exam, and we will review your physician’s notes and speak with you and your family about your symptoms and limitations. This allows the development of a physical therapy plan that works for you, geared toward restoring mobility and preventing future problems that may arise because of having a stroke.

Reasons To Seek Physical Therapy

The benefits of physical therapy have been long proven and patients who have benefitted from physical therapy can testify to its effectiveness. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to schedule an initial consultation where we will discuss your medical history, the pains you’re experiencing, treatment plan options, and more.

Injury Recovery Treatment

After being injured in some way, it can be difficult to heal properly and fully without using physical therapy to assist with your healing process. Your physical therapist will work with you to restore your movement as much as possible to what it was before your injury. Depending on the severity of your injuries it may be a difficult road ahead, but your therapist will be committed to helping you improve your physical abilities.

Restored Mobility

Whatever the reason for your loss of mobility, you may be surprised by the improvements you can have with our Baltimore physical therapy team. Your therapist will create a treatment plan that is specific to you and your needs. No matter how long it has been since you’ve had full mobility, you can likely improve with the help of physical therapy. 

Insurance Coverage

Depending on your insurance coverage and the reason for your therapy, your physical therapy treatment may be covered in full or in part by insurance. Insurance coverage may make therapy affordable for you and an option that you didn’t know you had. You can find out what your coverage is by reviewing your insurance plan with your insurance company or we can check on it for you when you visit our office. 

Pain Relief

If you’ve been experiencing pain that is constant or when you move in a certain way then you may be able to relive your pain with the help of physical therapy that is specific to you and your body. It is nearly impossible to live a full or normal life when you have pain to deal with. You may not have to live like this with daily pain, and your therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan to relieve or fully eliminate your pain. 

Increased Strength

Physical therapy typically utilizes exercises designed to increase your muscles so that they support your body. Your therapist will include exercises that are necessary for increasing your strength in specific areas, for example, a strengthened core can support your back and other muscles that could help to relieve back pain by not putting so much strain on your back.

Benefits Of Physical Therapy After An Injury

Physical therapy can offer many benefits to injury sufferers. It’s not uncommon for someone who is experiencing pain from an injury to put off seeking physical therapy. However, taking the time to obtain treatment from a physical therapist can provide patients with several benefits.

• Mitigation Of Pain

Pain can have a significant impact on daily functioning. Sometimes, injuries do not get better on their own but require treatment from a professional like a physical therapist. A physical therapist can work with you to strengthen the injured area by improving muscle function and ultimately, eliminating the pain you may be experiencing.

• Avoidance Of More Invasive Treatments

The last thing anyone who has suffered an injury wants is to find that they require more invasive treatments. No one wants to undergo surgery due to an injury that just won’t heal. Making an effort to see a physical therapist and follow their recommendations may allow a patient to avoid surgery altogether. A physical therapist will work with you to promote healing to the injured area by strengthening the area and improving mobility.

• Increased Mobility

Physical therapists can educate injury sufferers on a series of stretches targeted to improve mobility to the injured area. During physical therapy, your physical therapist will provide you with exercises that target the affected areas of the body. With regular visits to a physical therapist and by diligently applying their teachings in your own time, patients may be able to increase their overall mobility as a result.

• Prevention Of Further Injuries

Sometimes, injuries can worsen without treatment. Additionally, if your injuries were the result of physical activity that was done incorrectly, a physical therapist can teach you better ways to engage in the activity that originally resulted in the injury.

• Reduction Of The Likelihood Of Future Injuries

We have the ability to treat long-term issues that are causing pain to the affected area. By enduring treatment from a physical therapist, patients may experience a significant reduction in pain. As a result, patients once dependent upon medication to manage their pain may find that they no longer require the use of pain medication.

• Learning Stretches And Exercises that Can Help

Once a physical therapist has assessed your injury, they will work to develop a treatment plan that will help you to strengthen the affected area. This treatment plan will additionally provide patients with education on how to stretch and exercise the injured area on their own. This benefits the patient in that treatment isn’t isolated to your physical therapy appointment. A patient can engage in exercises and stretches at home and, long after they have completed physical therapy. 

Infographic

Baltimore Physical Therapy Statistics

According to the Cleveland Clinic, 25% of Americans live with ongoing chronic pain. Physical therapy can be difficult for some to commit to. While many patients are hoping for an overnight fix to the issue that ails you, changes usually don’t occur overnight. However, by committing to Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic you provide yourself with the best chance towards improved functioning. Allow us to assist in the recovery of the area of the body causing problems. For further questions, or to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists, contact us today.

Physical Therapy FAQs

When setting expectations about your physical therapy process, make sure to speak with our experienced Maryland medical team. We can’t address your issues if we don’t know that you’re struggling. Please trust that our physical therapy is here to help in any way that we can.

Who Benefits From Physical Therapy?

There is a common misconception that only certain “kinds” of individuals can benefit from physical therapy. In reality, physical therapy can benefit athletes, those who haven’t moved in years, babies, kids, teens, adults, and older adults alike. Whether you have recently suffered an injury, an old injury site is “acting up,” you suffer from chronic pain, you don’t move much, or you move your body for a living, chances are very good that you could benefit from physical therapy.

Common, chronic medical conditions that may benefit from physical therapy include overuse conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. Chronic jaw, neck, and/or back pain are also commonly treated via physical therapy. Recovering from acute medical conditions, such as stroke, heart attack, and concussion can involve physical therapy components of a broader treatment plan. Young kids experiencing developmental delays or conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy may also benefit from this kind of attention. Sports, dance, and recreational injuries often require physical therapy. In recent years, physical therapy has also increasingly been used to treat pelvic floor conditions, including urinary incontinence.

As you can see, it is important to avoid assuming that your condition cannot benefit from physical therapy, as this medical resource is used to treat a host of different conditions manifest in people of all ages. Whether you are struggling in the wake of sustaining acute trauma or you’re grappling with a chronic condition, physical therapy may be able to assist you in living your best life. If you have questions about whether pursuing physical therapy is a good idea for your unique situation, connect with our team today to learn more.

Should I Call My Health Insurance Provider Before Attending Physical Therapy?

Being proactive about your insurance coverage can be a good idea when it comes to physical therapy. Most of the time, insurance providers cover physical therapy services, provided that a patient has some sort of condition that warrants this treatment. Sometimes, insurers will require a treating physician to officially refer a patient before services will be covered, though. As a result, it is a good idea to connect with your health insurance provider before attending your physical therapy appointments. This way, you’ll know – for sure – whether your treatment is covered, whether you are being subjected to a “cap” on the number of sessions you can attend at a fully covered rate, whether you will need to secure a referral before receiving services at a covered rate, etc.

Will My Herniated Disc Heal On Its Own?

The human body has an amazing capacity to heal from even the most extensive injuries, given the right conditions. That includes herniated discs. Whether or not a herniated disc heals may depend on things like your age, the cause of the herniation, and the care and treatment provided to promote the recovery process. We offer advanced treatments that may promote healing of your herniated disc. To address this issue, it’s helpful to understand how discs herniate and which factors impact their chances for healing.

What Is A Herniated Disc?

The discs between the vertebrae in the human spine are specially designed to act as shock absorbers. They provide flexibility and allow for comfortable movement. Intervertebral discs are constructed of a strong, flexible, and fibrous outer layer that surrounds a cushiony interior containing a gel-like fluid. 

When the tough outer layer tears, cracks, or weakens, the inner gel may bulge out. In some instances, the outer layer tears completely, and the gel leaks out. When the bulging disc or leaking gel applies pressure to the surrounding spinal nerves, pain occurs. The gel also triggers an inflammatory response that adds to the pain and discomfort.

How Do Intervertebral Discs Become Herniated?

Over time, the outer layer of a spinal disc may suffer natural degeneration from daily wear and tear. Furthermore, the inner layer of fluid is partly made of water, and it tends to dry out over the years. A dehydrated disc is less flexible and more vulnerable to damage.

Age-related changes are the leading cause of disc herniation. However, younger adults, teens, and children can also suffer from bulging discs. Sporting activities and many other types of injuries may cause a herniation. Several factors are known to increase the risk of a herniated disc. They include:

• Weight. Extra pounds put additional and undue stress on intervertebral discs
• Gender. Men are at twice the risk of a disc injury than women
• Occupation. Jobs that require repetitive actions, pulling, lifting, and bending may increase the risk of herniation
• Sitting for long periods. Staying for extended lengths of time puts causes pressure on the discs
• Smoking. Tobacco smoking tobacco may accelerate disc degeneration, as it can limit the oxygen supply to the intervertebral discs that are already challenged by a minimal blood supply

Baltimore Physical Therapy Glossary

If you’re considering physical therapy in Baltimore, MD, the team at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic offers personalized care designed to alleviate pain and improve function. Below, we’ve outlined several terms commonly associated with physical therapy to help you better understand your care options and what to expect during your recovery journey.

Range Of Motion (ROM)

Range of motion refers to the extent a joint can move in specific directions without pain or limitations. It is a critical measure of joint and muscle health, often impacted by injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. For example, a shoulder injury may restrict your ability to lift your arm above your head or rotate it fully. Limited ROM not only reduces mobility but can also lead to compensatory movements that strain other parts of the body. In physical therapy, we assess your current range of motion and implement targeted exercises, stretches, and joint mobilizations to restore flexibility and functionality. By improving ROM, we aim to help you regain independence in everyday activities such as reaching, bending, or walking.

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Musculoskeletal rehabilitation focuses on treating injuries and conditions that affect muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. This type of therapy is essential for recovery from trauma, overuse injuries, or surgeries. For instance, a patient recovering from a torn rotator cuff may undergo rehabilitation to rebuild strength, flexibility, and stability in the shoulder. At Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, we combine strength training, mobility exercises, and pain-relieving modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. This comprehensive approach addresses both the root cause of the injury and its symptoms, helping patients return to normal activities while preventing future issues.

Neuromuscular Re-education

Neuromuscular re-education is a therapy technique used to restore proper communication between the brain and muscles, often disrupted by neurological conditions, trauma, or surgery. It is especially beneficial for individuals recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, or conditions like Parkinson’s disease. For example, a patient who struggles to walk after a stroke may need exercises to retrain the brain to control leg muscles effectively. Physical therapy sessions focusing on neuromuscular re-education include balance exercises, coordination drills, and strength training. These treatments help patients regain control over their movements, reducing the risk of falls and improving overall mobility.

Gait Training

Gait training addresses walking difficulties caused by injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. A proper gait is essential for maintaining balance, reducing pain, and preventing further injuries. Patients recovering from hip replacements, leg fractures, or neurological issues such as multiple sclerosis often require gait training. At our Baltimore clinic, we analyze your walking mechanics to identify areas of weakness, stiffness, or imbalance. Treatments may include strengthening exercises, stretches, and assistive device training, such as learning to use a cane or walker properly. With consistent gait training, patients can regain confidence in their ability to move safely and independently.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment technique that involves manipulating joints and soft tissues to reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. It is particularly effective for conditions such as neck stiffness, lower back pain, or shoulder tension caused by injury or poor posture. For example, a patient experiencing chronic back pain from sitting for long periods may benefit from manual therapy techniques like myofascial release or joint mobilization. At Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, we integrate manual therapy into our physical therapy plans to enhance flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and support long-term recovery.

Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic Baltimore Physical Therapy

Contact Us Today

Rehabilitation is a critical step in helping you recover from an injury or stroke. When you go through something traumatic, you can be left with a reduced range of motion or even with lingering pain. We offer virtual office tours so that you can get comfortable with our environment before ever stepping in. The Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic team is ready to help you find the right physical therapist for you. Contact us today to set up an appointment.