Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is skilled treatment of a vast array of problems that affect movement, function, and health. The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to “hands-on” care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may utilize any of the following treatments:

• Therapeutic Exercise- includes Range of Motion and Strengthening programs.
• Balance and Coordination Training- may include instruction in the use of an assistive device, such as cane, quad cane, or walker.
• Mobilize” or “Manipulate” a joint – perform certain types of joint movements at the end of your range of motion to help reduce pain and restore full movement.
• Massage- promote proper movement and function of a muscle, help reduce swelling, decrease muscle spasms and pain, or help break down scar tissue.
• Ultrasound- uses high frequency sound waves to produce heat, resulting in muscle relaxation, decreased inflammation, increased metabolism, and reduction of pain. Vibration produced by the sound waves also increases flexibility of joints, ligaments, and tendons and helps break down scar tissue.
• Electrical stimulation- aids in strengthening, promotes circulation, decreases pain, decreases edema, and maintains or improves mobility.
• Iontophoresis- use of electricity to administer medication to specific area of the body to help relieve pain/swelling.
• Manual traction- used to help relieve spinal nerve root impingement resulting from bulging, herniated, or protruding discs or muscle spasms.
• Heat/ice- helps decrease pain and inflammation and improve circulation.
• Prosthetic and Orthotic Training. Physical therapists are able to help individuals learn to live with various medical conditions by helping them learn to move without difficulty or pain.

Who Benefits From Physical Therapy?

Because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist’s program is directed at preventing injury and loss of movement. Physical therapists collaborate with the physicians in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain or repetitive motion injuries. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs, as well as helping individuals who already know that they have a problem with their joints or their backs develop workouts that are safe and effective.

Because people of all ages, from the newborn to the very aged, have the need to move and function, physical therapists work with patients across the lifespan.

Common diagnoses treated by physical therapists include:

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand problems
• Hip, knee, ankle, or foot problems
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sprains and muscle strains
• Arthritis
• Rehabilitation after a serious injury
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Problems with balance, vertigo/dizziness
• Pre and post-surgical conditions
• Fitness and wellness program

Many other conditions may benefit from physical therapy treatment. Ask your doctor if you think physical therapy might be right for you. Click this site for information regarding care of specific body parts and conditions: Move Forward: Physical Therapy Information

 




Office Location:
4646 Corona Dr.
Suite #130
Corpus Christi, TX 78411


Shull Physical Therapy