PHYSICAL THERAPIES
At Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, all of our chiropractors utilize their Physical Therapy endorsement to help patients achieve improved ranges of motion, decreased levels of pain, and increased rates of healing for their injuries. They utilize many therapies that you would commonly encounter in a Physical Therapy office such as heat and ice therapy, ultrasound therapy, paraffin wax, traction, and electric muscle stimulation (interferential current).
Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic utilizes specialized equipment to help with physical therapy in the office. Dr. Gulitz offers theraband tubing for resistance exercises, recumbent bicycles, upper body ergometers, treadmills, wobble/balance boards, swiss exercise balls, intersegmental traction tables, and mechanical traction therapy. For patients with herniated discs in their necks and/or lower backs mechanical traction is able to help with pain and ease the symptoms associated with these conditions.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a type of care that involves treating disease, injury, and other issues in the body through an assortment of treatment methods and therapeutic modalities such as stretches, exercises, heat, electrical stimulation and massage. Over several sessions, patients can gradually increase their strength and endurance. Physical therapy techniques are designed to facilitate movement, reduce pain, increase flexibility and release tension in the muscles.
Depending on the nature of your injury or condition, a chiropractor may recommend that you take part in a physical therapy program so that you can restore your functional mobility. There are many forms of physical therapy treatments, so a chiropractor may use a combination of several different ones. The program will be tailored based on your body and condition. Chiropractors often supplement chiropractic care with physical therapy sessions so that patients can minimize pain and reduce inflammation.
Who Can Benefit From Physical Therapy
Patients can benefit from physical therapy even if they just want to improve their overall health. Though many people who have physical therapy are those who have suffered a sports injury, experienced a fall or an accident, or have chronic pain, it is recommended for those who also want to improve their flexibility and mobility. Physical therapy is beneficial for many reasons, especially for patients who are searching for non-invasive treatment options to alleviate their pain.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
A physical therapist will ask you several questions about your medical history and symptoms during your consultation. They will ask you questions about the types of pain you are experiencing, the frequency in which it occurs, how long you have been experiencing pain and other treatments you have previously received if any. After learning about your patient history, they will conduct a physical evaluation to determine what areas are causing you issues.
How to Prepare For Your Physical Therapy Session
Before attending your first physical therapy session, you should do several things to prepare. Prior to your session, make sure you eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water so you have enough energy to do the exercises. Create a list of questions that you would like to ask the physical therapist. They will be able to answer your questions about what to expect during each session, and what each treatment entails. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing to your sessions that doesn’t restrict your movement so you can move around freely and do the exercises properly. After the session, the physical therapist may instruct you to do certain exercises at home so you can continue to improve your range of motion and manage your pain.
Set Up A Consultation
If you are suffering mild to severe pain that is affecting your daily life, physical therapy may be an effective treatment option for you. Many patients have reported success after just a few physical therapy sessions, and it has helped people better manage their symptoms. Pain relief from an injury, disease or accident is possible. Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic to learn more about our physical therapy program.
Physical therapy FAQ
What happens in a therapy session?
We are seeing a physical therapist are most likely going to receive a lot of patient education, because physical therapy is about helping you reduce your pain, regain mobility, balance and strength, ensure that your body is changing in a way that you can still manage and have a quality of life with and much more. However to do that, you, the patient, must become educated about what your body in specific needs.
And you could’ve been doing something wrong your entire life, such as walking. And while this sounds like it’s something that oh you know you’ve been walking your entire life surely you’re not doing it wrong, if you are putting too much strain on an element in your body by the way you walk, then you are indeed doing it wrong. Somebody else could be walking the same way however their body would not be straining due to the weight of the walk in their walk would be fine. A physical therapist would then turn around and teach you how to walk in a way that is not going to hurt you.
When you are out of physical therapy session the therapist is going to apply some hands-on techniques, they may mobilize your joints if you have a stiff joint or they might help you stretch and massage tight muscles. Physical therapy is always going to involve an exercise of some sort, and there’s going to be different for every person that attends physical therapy because these exercises are modified to suit the person they are for. So you might only do a low level structure, you might do a strengthening program in full, furthermore you might find that some exercises are being modified just for you.
Why do I have to do these exercises?
So, a physical therapist is going to help push you beyond your comfort zone and encourage you to do more than what you think you can. However, they are going to encourage you to do this safely, and they do this by ensuring that the exercises are done in short enough time spans that you have enough time to rest and regain your composure. Physical therapists are trying to be objective and are trying to implement different tasks with nations. They are helping you to take control of your treatment in your body. A physical therapist does not want you to have to continue to come back to them, they are trying to get you to where you can maintain yourself and do the exercises you are shown for your pain disorder, at home or at the gym and move on with your lives. A musculoskeletal disorder, a collagen disorder, none of that should rule your lives. Your physical therapist wants you to be independent.
Why does physical therapy take longer than I thought it would?
Physical therapy is not going to be a quick fix, because it is going to follow the way your body and your anatomy operate. This means that there is going to be a certain amount of time where certain types of tissue in the body are going to repair itself, and if you try to speed the process up, you might reintroduce that injury. The physical therapy does take some patients, and you have to keep up with the program even after you leave physical therapy or you can end up back where you were.
Most Commonly Used Exercises in Therapy Programs
Physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation for individuals who have experienced injuries, illnesses, or disabilities that limit their mobility and daily function. One of the most crucial aspects of PT is the use of exercises that target specific muscle groups and help patients regain strength, flexibility, and balance. Learn more about the different exercises used in a program, and then contact Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic to schedule an appointment.
Range of motion (ROM) exercises.
The goal of range of motion exercises is to help patients improve their flexibility, increase mobility, and reduce pain. These exercises usually involve gentle stretching movements that target specific muscle groups, joints, and tendons. ROM exercises can be passive, active, or assistive, depending on the patient’s condition and their ability to move. Some common examples of ROM exercises include shoulder rolls, ankle pumps, and knee bends. A physical therapist will guide you through these gentle exercises to ensure you are not overdoing it.
Resistance exercises.
These exercises typically involve using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight to challenge muscles and increase their strength over time. Resistance exercises can be beneficial for individuals who have a specific muscle group that needs strengthening, such as the quadriceps or biceps. Some examples of resistance exercises include bicep curls, leg presses, and tricep extensions. Resistance exercises are actually good for all ages, so if you are older, do not plan on skipping these.
Aerobic exercises.
The goal of aerobic exercises in PT is to help patients improve their cardiovascular function, increase lung capacity, and build endurance. Aerobic exercises can take many forms, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or rowing. The type of aerobic exercise used in a therapy program depends on the patient’s physical abilities, health condition, and goals. Your physical therapist may prescribe something as simple as walking a few times per day on your own to work towards improving your health.
Balance exercises.
These exercises aim to improve the patient’s ability to maintain balance and control movements, reducing their risk of falls and other accidents. Balance exercises often involve standing on one leg, walking on a balance beam or unstable surface, or performing specific movements that challenge the patient’s balance. These are not just for the elderly; many conditions can affect a person’s balance no matter their age.
Stretching exercises.
The goal of stretching exercises is to improve flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and prevent injuries. Stretching exercises usually involve gentle movements that help elongate muscles and improve their range of motion. Some common examples of stretching exercises include neck stretches, hamstring stretches, and spinal twists. If you are familiar with yoga, then you already know several stretching exercises, many of which will be used in a PT program.
PT is an excellent way to help patients regain their physical abilities and improve their quality of life. The exercises used in PT programs are specifically designed to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities that limit their mobility and daily function. If you need physical therapy, always talk to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic and develop a personalized exercise plan that suits your goals and health condition.
Preparing for Your First Physical Therapy Appointment
If you have scheduled your first Maryland physical therapy appointment, congratulations on taking a proactive step towards improving your health and mobility. To make the most of your initial session, it’s essential to come prepared. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your first physical therapy appointment before contacting Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic:
Obtain and organize your medical information:
Before your appointment, gather any relevant medical records, diagnostic test results, and reports related to your condition. This includes X-rays, MRI scans, surgery records, or notes from other healthcare providers you have seen. Having this information readily available will help your physical therapist gain a better understanding of your medical history and guide your treatment plan.
Complete necessary paperwork:
Many physical therapy clinics require new patients to fill out intake forms, health history questionnaires, and consent forms. To save time on the day of your appointment, consider obtaining these forms in advance and completing them at home. Double-check that you have filled in all the necessary information accurately and thoroughly. If you provide an email when scheduling your first appointment, be sure to double check your spam filter as most practices now send electronic forms to fill out.
Dress comfortably:
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. Depending on your condition and the type of treatment you will receive, you may need to expose the area being treated. For example, if you are seeking therapy for a knee injury, wearing shorts or athletic pants would be appropriate. Comfortable athletic shoes are also recommended.
Prepare a list of questions:
Jot down any questions or concerns you have about your condition, treatment options, or the MD physical therapy process. It’s easy to forget important details during the appointment, so having a written list will ensure that you address all your inquiries and receive the information you need to make informed decisions about your care.
Understand your goals:
Think about your specific goals for physical therapy. What outcomes are you hoping to achieve? Are you looking to reduce pain, regain strength, improve mobility, or enhance performance in a particular activity? Having a clear understanding of your goals will allow your physical therapist to tailor your treatment plan accordingly.
Be prepared to discuss your symptoms:
Your physical therapist will want to hear about your symptoms, including when they started, the type and intensity of pain or discomfort you experience, and any factors that worsen or alleviate your symptoms. Be prepared to provide a detailed description of your symptoms, including their location, frequency, and any activities that are affected by them. If you have a journal or records of when symptoms started and when they flare up, this can be very helpful to bring along.
Bring your insurance information:
If you have health insurance coverage, bring your insurance card and any necessary documentation, such as a referral or authorization form, to your appointment. This will ensure a smooth process for billing and reimbursement.
Arrive early:
Plan to arrive at your appointment a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and allow time for check-in. Being punctual shows respect for your therapist’s time and allows for a full and unhurried assessment during your appointment.
Remember, your first physical therapy appointment is an opportunity for your therapist to evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and develop a customized treatment plan. By being prepared and actively engaging in the process, you set the stage for a successful therapeutic journey and pave the way for optimal recovery and improved function. Get started with Maryland physical therapy at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic today.