If you’ve been struggling with an injury or chronic pain, physical therapy and rehabilitation can be your answer to a healthier, more active life. Physical therapy and rehabilitation help individuals recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries that may have affected their mobility and physical abilities. It’s a constantly evolving field, and its impact on lives cannot be overstated. At Avid Sports Medicine, we specialize in helping patients overcome limitations and regain their optimum level of function.
Understanding Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals with movement limitations due to injury or disease. It aims to alleviate pain, restore function, and prevent future injuries. Conversely, rehabilitation focuses on helping patients regain their independence and adapt to new ways of living after a life-altering event or condition. Together, these disciplines contribute to a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Physical therapists (PTs) are movement experts with the knowledge to unlock your body’s full potential. Their specialized expertise enables them to assist you in overcoming various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, resulting in increased strength, mobility, and readiness to face life’s challenges.
Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Acute and chronic pain in the neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Sports injuries, overuse injuries, and traumatic injuries
What to Expect From Physical Therapy
Here’s what you can expect from physical therapy and rehabilitation:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to manipulate your joints, muscles, and soft tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain.
- Therapeutic Exercise: Customized exercise programs to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance so you can return to daily activities and sports faster.
- Modalities: Advanced technologies, like laser therapy and electrical stimulation, speed up the healing process and manage pain effectively.
- Functional Training: Learning how to perform daily tasks and movements more efficiently to prevent future injuries and boost your overall performance.
Look at this video from Avid Sports Medicine, which demonstrates how to alleviate lower back pain in just 30 seconds.
How Physical Therapy Works at Avid Sports Medicine
At Avid Sports Medicine, we tailor treatment plans based on your injury history, lifestyle, fitness history, and personal goals. Here’s how we’ll guide you through the process:
Your First Physical Therapy Visit
The initial visit starts with a detailed review of your history and a formal evaluation of your injury. Most injuries require 4-8 visits on average, and you’ll leave the first session with actionable steps to kick off your recovery. These visits usually last about 60 minutes and may include manual therapy (think therapeutic massage).
Your Return Visit
Follow-up visits depend on what you and your physical therapist think works best for you. Typically scheduled once or every other week, these 30-60 minute sessions let your therapist review your progress and update your rehab program with new or modified exercises. Avid Sports Medicine offers manual therapy, training-based sessions, and even 20-minute telehealth (video) check-ins for those who need less hands-on care over time.
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t have to face pain or injury alone. Contact Avid Sports Medicine at (415) 480-4569 to schedule an appointment. We’ll provide you with the personalized care and cutting-edge techniques you need to get back on track.