Joint Care Therapy
Whether a patient is recovering from a specific joint related injury/disorder or a more general condition, we recognize the importance of joint care. Here at Plan Physical Therapy we provide extensive demonstration, education and training with all of our exercises to not only build strength, but to insure the protection of the joints
Dislocations or subluxations occur when a joint is subjected to a sudden, unexpected force. Even if the joint is successfully repositioned, significant damage, such as ligament tears or cartilage injuries, is often sustained. Our therapy focuses on restoring joint health through individualized rehabilitation plans, including exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles, improve range of motion (ROM), and enhance stability.
For peripheral joints, relocation is important and if possible a trained professional should assist to minimize further injury to the soft tissue as the joint surface are moved back into place. The first stage includes inflammation control with modalities like ice, E-stim, laser, or light therapy and stabilization with bracing or wrapping. Immediate ranging of the joint is important to achieve and maintain mobility. The second stage includes stabilization through secondary muscle support of the area.
For Spinal Subluxations, relocation or adjustment is usually achieved without any further injury and easily achieved independently however help to reposition the vertebra is sometimes needed. Physical therapy treatment of these situations include, joint mobilization, exercise, and stretching. Most commonly, subluxations are corrected easily with physical therapy treatment.
Dislocations and Subluxations
A sprain occurs when ligaments, the connective tissue between bones, are overstretched or torn. Symptoms include bruising, swelling, and tenderness. At Play Physical Therapy, we utilize the RICE approach (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) immediately after an injury and incorporate advanced physical therapy techniques to restore function, strength, and flexibility.
Immediate treatment of a sprain uses the guiding acronym RICE for what to do. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. The goal for treatment if it’s a minor sprain, just a stretch of the ligament, is keeping it mobile with rotating the ankle. Severe sprains may require bracing. The joint will be painful to place weight through, so crutches are usually given to people with sprains and used for several weeks to reduce weight placed on the joint.
Sprains
Fractures
Fractures happen when a force impacts a bone at an angle or location that reveals a structural weakness, leading to a break. Our therapy includes gentle ROM exercises, tailored stretching, and strengthening protocols to assist in proper bone healing, reclaim mobility, and prevent future complications.
Treatment includes ROM, stretching and strengthening of the affected area. Physical therapy is especially important when the fracture occurs in the spine or legs as these areas require strength to perform daily activities. Fracture rehabilitation is also especially important in the aging population and in your returning to sports. Both require conditioning to return to their prior level of activity to avoid risk of falls and risk of rein-jury respectively.
Bursitis is the painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction within joints, often caused by repetitive overhead motions. Common areas include the shoulder, hip, knee, and elbow. We focus on reducing inflammation, improving joint alignment, and employing personalized exercises to prevent recurrence, helping you regain pain-free movement.
Treatment is primarily by temporary rest of that limb, stopping the activity which aggravated the bursa and constant icing and or heating the region. Including anti-inflammatory pain medicine in the treatment will further reduce joint swelling. Pendulum exercises of letting gravity move the limb in a slow rhythmic movement will lubricate the joint, helping healing.
Bursitis
Arthritis comes in two primary forms. Osteoarthritis wears down the protective cartilage, leading to stiffness and joint pain, while Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and damage. Our therapy includes mobility exercises, strengthening routines, and techniques to alleviate pain. We also provide guidance on maintaining an active lifestyle and managing weight for long-term joint health.
Treatment includes maximizing ROM around the joint while reducing inflammation through a combination of use of ice, medication, activity avoidance, and stabilization of the area to prevent unnecessary stress. Subsequent treatment includes stabilization and strengthening around the joint with exercise and neuromuscular re-education.
Arthritis
Tendonitis is inflammation around the tendon, the connective tissue that links muscles to bones. It commonly results from repetitive overuse, with conditions like “tennis elbow” being frequent examples. Targeted therapies include reducing inflammation, improving tendon strength, and restoring optimal motion through personalized rehabilitation programs designed to relieve pain and prevent future strain.
Formal treatment will include use of modalities like ice, iontophoresis which is a topical delivery of an anti-inflammatory through an electrode, ultrasound, e-stim, laser or light therapy, stretching, massage, and a comprehensive home program.