Web Team

In the quest for holistic wellness and natural healing, cupping therapy has emerged as a time-honored practice that delivers remarkable health benefits. Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, a leading healthcare provider in the UAE, proudly offers this ancient treatment, seamlessly integrating it into our comprehensive rehabilitation services.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy, with its roots in ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This process stimulates blood flow, alleviates pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall well-being. By mobilizing blood flow, cupping helps the body to recover more efficiently and improves muscle function, making it a favored treatment among athletes and individuals seeking relief from chronic pain or stress.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

• Pain Relief: Cupping is renowned for its ability to relieve chronic pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and migraines. The suction created by the cups can break up deep scar tissue and reduce muscle tension.
• Enhanced Circulation: By increasing blood flow to targeted areas, cupping aids in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen, promoting faster healing and reducing inflammation.
• Detoxification: The therapy helps draw out toxins from the body, facilitating detoxification and encouraging a state of balance and health.
• Stress Reduction: The soothing nature of cupping can calm the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of relaxation.
• Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion: For athletes or those recovering from injury, cupping can enhance flexibility and range of motion, aiding in quicker rehabilitation and performance enhancement.

Why Choose Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital?

At Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, we are committed to offering the highest quality care through a blend of traditional and innovative treatments. Our cupping therapy sessions are conducted by highly trained professionals who tailor each treatment to the individual needs of our patients.

Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and provides a tranquil environment designed to promote healing and wellness. We adopt a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each therapy session contributes to your overall health goals and complements other treatments you may be receiving.

Patient Testimonials

Many of our patients have experienced significant improvements in their health and well-being through our cupping therapy services:

• Ahmed S: “After trying various treatments for my chronic back pain, I found cupping therapy at Thumbay to be incredibly effective. The relief was almost immediate, and I felt more energized after each session.”
• Fatima R: “The cupping therapy at Thumbay helped me recover faster from my sports injuries. The therapists are knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is very calming.”

Book Your Session Today

Discover the transformative effects of cupping therapy at Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital. Whether you seek relief from pain, enhanced physical performance, or a holistic approach to wellness, our expert team is here to guide you on your journey to better health.

Contact us today to book your session or learn more about how cupping therapy can benefit you. Your path to wellness starts with Thumbay.

For appointments and inquiries:
Phone: [+97167031555]
Email: [info@thumbayrehab.com]

Embrace the power of ancient healing with Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital – where your wellness is our priority.

Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, part of the prestigious Thumbay Group, offers comprehensive home care services designed to meet the diverse needs of patients. Located in the Thumbay Medicity, Al Jurf, Ajman, the hospital is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and innovative rehabilitation therapies.

Home care services provided by Thumbay Rehabilitation Hospital include specialized physiotherapy, pain management, post-operative rehabilitation, and long-term care for individuals of all ages. The hospital’s dedicated team of skilled professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, work closely with physician specialists to develop individualized treatment plans aimed at maximizing physical improvement and promoting independence.

The hospital’s mission is to deliver patient-centered care of the highest quality in an academic setting. The home care services are an extension of this mission, providing patients with the convenience and comfort of receiving personalized care in their own homes. This service is particularly beneficial for patients recovering from surgery, those with chronic illnesses, or individuals requiring long-term rehabilitation and support.

Key features of Thumbay Rehabilitation Hospital’s home care services include advanced pain relief therapies, neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, and prenatal and pediatric rehabilitation. The use of cutting-edge technologies such as hydrotherapy, zero-gravity treadmills, and innovative electrotherapies ensures that patients receive the best possible care tailored to their specific needs.

Thumbay Group’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient satisfaction is evident in their approach to home care services. By offering these services, Thumbay Rehabilitation Hospital continues to enhance the quality of life for patients, ensuring they receive exceptional care that is both accessible and effective.

In recent years, cupping therapy has gained popularity as an alternative healing practice for various health conditions. Among the many claims surrounding this ancient technique is its potential effect on blood pressure. While some proponents suggest that cupping can lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health, it’s essential to approach this topic with a critical eye and rely on available scientific evidence.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy involves creating a suction effect on the skin by placing cups and either using fire or a pump to remove air, which draws the skin, muscle, and connective tissue upward into the cup. This process is believed to improve circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, release fascial tension, and modulate pain perception.

Potential Theories

The theories behind cupping’s effect on blood pressure are largely speculative. Some proponents suggest that improved circulation and lymphatic drainage achieved through cupping could indirectly influence blood pressure. The relaxation response induced by cupping might also lead to temporary drops in blood pressure for some individuals.

Considerations and Precautions

If you are considering cupping therapy, especially in relation to blood pressure management, it’s crucial to take the following considerations into account:

1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you have hypertension or any other health condition, consult your healthcare provider before trying cupping therapy. Cupping should be viewed as a complementary therapy rather than a standalone treatment for hypertension.

2. Blood Pressure Monitoring: If you undergo cupping therapy, monitor your blood pressure closely before, during, and after the session. This is particularly important for individuals with hypertension to ensure that the therapy does not cause any adverse effects.

4. Medication Management: If you are taking medications to manage your blood pressure, do not discontinue or modify your treatment plan without consulting your doctor.
5. Qualified Practitioners: Ensure that cupping therapy is performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner who follows proper hygiene practices and uses appropriate techniques.

Conclusion

While cupping therapy has a long history and has shown promise in promoting relaxation, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being, its specific impact on blood pressure remains inconclusive. It is crucial to approach cupping as a complementary therapy and not a substitute for conventional medical treatment for hypertension.

Cupping therapy, an ancient healing practice with roots in various cultures, has been gaining popularity in modern times. Beyond its historical significance, many are curious about the science behind cupping and how it exerts its effects on the body. In this blog, we’ll explore the scientific mechanisms behind cupping therapy and shed light on why this traditional technique continues to captivate the interest of both practitioners and patients.

The Suction Effect: How Cupping Works

At its core, cupping therapy relies on creating a suction effect on the skin. This is achieved by placing cups on the skin and either removing the air from the cups (fire cupping) or using a pump to draw air out (suction cupping). The suction creates a partial vacuum that pulls the skin, muscle, and connective tissue upward into the cup.

Circulation and Blood Flow

One of the primary mechanisms of cupping therapy is its impact on circulation and blood flow. As the cups create suction on the skin, the blood vessels underneath dilate. This dilation increases blood flow to the treated area, which brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Improved circulation also facilitates the removal of waste products and toxins, promoting overall tissue health and healing.

Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immune function and waste removal. Cupping therapy has been found to stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding in the drainage of lymphatic fluid. This can help reduce swelling and promote detoxification, contributing to the body’s natural healing processes.

Fascia Release

Fascia is a connective tissue that wraps around muscles, bones, and organs, providing structural support. Through cupping therapy, the suction effect helps release tension in the fascia and softens any adhesions that may have formed. This can lead to improved flexibility, reduced pain, and enhanced range of motion.

Neuromodulation

Cupping therapy has been shown to have an impact on the nervous system, specifically in modulating pain perception. The suction on the skin stimulates sensory receptors, sending signals to the brain that can override pain signals. As a result, cupping can provide temporary pain relief for various conditions, including musculoskeletal issues.

Anti-Inflammatory Response

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, excessive inflammation can lead to pain and delayed healing. Cupping therapy has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are small proteins that regulate the immune response.

Conclusion

Cupping therapy, an ancient healing technique, continues to gain recognition in modern times, thanks in part to the growing understanding of its scientific mechanisms. From improved circulation and lymphatic drainage to neuromodulation and anti-inflammatory effects, cupping offers a range of potential benefits backed by scientific research. As with any form of alternative therapy, it’s crucial to seek treatment from qualified and experienced practitioners. By blending tradition with science, cupping therapy presents a fascinating and effective approach to enhancing overall well-being and promoting natural healing in the body.

Before you book back surgery or decide that you’re doomed for lifelong lower back pain, consider spinal decompression therapy. Although you can order decompression therapy at any time your doctor sees fit, this non-surgical procedure is often a last-ditch attempt by patients who haven’t got the results they want from other treatments. Adults with lower back pain generally come to Northeastern Medicine and Spine and want stress relief therapy after other doctors have recommended spinal fusion, discectomy, or laminectomy. In many cases, we can help these patients avoid surgery and get long-term relief from nerve or back pain.

While this may sound promising, you may still not be convinced that spinal decompression is right for you. It’s okay – we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Check out the information below to learn how spinal decompression therapy can help, whether you have a herniated disc or a painful stenosis.

1. Reducing pressure on the spine helps relieve stress

While you lie on a decompression table, the machine gently moves your spine toward the correct position. This process helps remove pressure that is pushing the discs in your spine out of place, which in turn prevents these discs from pressing on nearby nerves.

So, what does that mean to you? In many cases, creating negative pressure in the spinal discs reduces pain and inflammation in the body.

When the misaligned discs press on the nerves, you may notice sharp, shooting pains that extend from your back to your hips, thighs, legs, and feet. You may also feel tingling, numbness, and burning. Moving herniated or bulging discs away from nearby nerves helps prevent and reduce these problems.

2. Decompression therapy can help to prevent spinal surgery

When the chiropractic care and physical therapy fail, many patients turn to therapeutic injections. Unfortunately, these injections may not offer lasting relief, so some patients fear that surgery may be the only long-term solution.

Spinal decompression therapy can help some patients prevent or delay spinal surgery, including spinal fusions or discectomy surgeries. In fact, many of our patients are surprised at how successful this non-surgical treatment is in relieving lower back pain. Some patients feel relief after only one session, although ongoing care is usually required for optimal benefits.

Decompression therapy works by gently tightening your spine, giving the herniated discs a chance to return to their intended openings. If your body tolerates these changes instead of rejecting them, you may not need surgery.

3. Spinal decompression therapy can help cure chronic pain

Some treatments treat only acute attacks, but decompressing the spine also treats chronic pain. This is because it treats the cause of the pain, not just the symptoms. This helps your body heal itself without surgery or other invasive procedures.

When the bulging discs retract, it makes it easier for your body to distribute oxygen and other nutrients in the area of ​​your spine. These nutrients help your body repair damaged nerves and muscles by reducing the swelling and inflammation.

Inflammation is often responsible for spinal pain, so reducing inflammation also reduces symptoms of a misaligned spine.

4. Spinal pressure treats various conditions

We usually perform decompression therapy on patients with lower to mid back pain, but the procedure is not specific to a specific case. Spinal decompression helps provide relief for the patients with the following conditions:

• Sciatica
• spinal stenosis
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Injury or injury to the nerves in the spine
• posterior face syndrome

If you’re not sure you have one of these or a similar condition that might benefit from decompression therapy, we can take a look during a full physical exam, which may include a digital imaging.

5. Decompression therapy can provide quick relief

Spinal decompression generally does not cause any pain or discomfort, and treatments last for approximately 45 minutes. Many people experience reduced pain after just one treatment, although you may need additional appointments to see the best results. This is because we want to make sure your spine stays in place, as the discs tend to go back in their preferred positions, even if it’s not good for your body.

6. Spinal Decompression Helps Retract Herniated Discs

Herniated discs are notoriously difficult to treat because your body may like where the discs have moved — even if you don’t. Your body gets used to its new out of whack back, even if it causes discomfort, so it can be difficult to get discs back where they belong. Many doctors try, only to find that discs have moved the back to their incorrect positions during follow up care.

Spinal decompression gently helps the bulging or herniated discs return to their correct locations for long-term relief. Over time, the decompression therapy may help your discs remain in place instead of continuing to migrate outside of their intended spots.

7. Decompression Therapy Gently Stretches Your Spine

When your spine is compressed, it is difficult to get parts back where they belong. Decompression therapy stretches your spine, temporarily expanding the area around it so that discs can return to the correct places. This also encourages fluid circulation in the areas that were previously restricted, so your body can deliver much needed nutrients to damaged or diseased parts of your spine.

Whole-body cryotherapy isn’t just a popular trend. People have been using ice to reduce the inflammation, increase energy levels, and treat pain for centuries. Even before full-body cryotherapy gained popularity, athletes would immerse themselves in ice baths after exercise, doctors would recommend ice packs for swelling, and people would jump into ice water to increase alertness and improve mood. People use extreme cold to freeze warts and break down other diseased tissue. Cryotherapy has many benefits that lead to the emergence of whole-body cryotherapy.

What does whole body cryotherapy consist of?

Whole body cryotherapy (also known as WBC) is performed in a hyperbolic chamber where the temperature drops to subzero temperatures. People wear nothing but slippers, underwear, and sportswear. They need proper footwear and other protective coverings such as gloves, masks and head gear. After entering the cabin, you can expect 2-3 minutes of subzero temperatures, and rest assured that a professional is watching you at all times. After the treatment, they will help you warm up!

But why would you do this to yourself? There are multiple reasons! Here are six reasons why you should give a full-body cryotherapy injection.

Boost recovery rates after exercise

There’s a reason you’ll always hear about athletes using ice baths after training. Cold increases muscle recovery rates. WBC is similar to ice baths in that you expose your entire body to extreme cold, which helps your muscles recover faster after physical activity. Cold has also been shown to numb pain, which is another reason why it’s so energizing after exercise. WBC can reduce pain and provide relief for any tense, sore or injured muscles.

It should be noted that a single session alone will most likely not relieve any muscle pain, which is why it is recommended to go to regular full body cryotherapy sessions for several weeks or months for best results if that is your goal.

Reduces inflammation

People usually apply ice packs to sore muscles and inflamed areas because the cold helps reduce swelling. It also helps with soft tissue injuries and can revitalize damaged tissues. Reducing inflammation is one of the main benefits of WBC. WBC helps your body fight toxins and injuries that cause inflammation, improving recovery rates.

Improves the immune system

Because whole-body cryotherapy reduces inflammation, it obviously stimulates the anti-inflammatory process. This strengthens the immune system. Since reducing inflammation is one of the main things that whole-body cryotherapy helps, it can also improve your overall health through this, and by improving the functioning of your immune system.

Increases energy

When you think of cold, you think of assembly to conserve heat and energy. You won’t necessarily associate WBC with increased energy, but it’s true! Immediately after full body cryotherapy, many patients report increased energy levels, due to the adrenaline produced by exposure to subzero temperatures.

Boosts metabolism

Whole-body cryotherapy can also increase your metabolic rate! Cold boosts your metabolic rate because it sends your body into overdrive, causing it to work twice as long in order to try to stay warm. Cold can also freeze fat cells so that they are broken down faster.

Improves mood

Extreme cold can cause physiological responses that include the release of endorphins. Endorphins have been shown to improve mood. This is especially useful for those who suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety or depression, as part of those disorders involve the brain not producing enough endorphins.

Whole-body cryotherapy can also positively affect mood, as cold stimulates the parasympathetic system. It’s your parasympathetic nervous system that creates a sense of calm and relaxation after high heart rates—something caused by whole-body cryotherapy—which can also relieve anxiety. This is why people often report a feeling of lightness and calmness after a full-body cryotherapy session.

Although cool, cryotherapy is not for everyone

While cryotherapy can be beneficial for many people, it is not recommended and can be harmful to others. Some of the conditions in which cryotherapy can worsen: are poor circulation, heart disease, neuropathy, and more. Consult a doctor to see if the cryotherapy is right for you!

Considering cryotherapy? Contact the Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital!

At our Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, we offer full-body cryotherapy and recommend it to anyone who suffers from inflammation or wants a good, energizing energy boost! Our expert team of professional chiropractors is passionate about providing you with the best possible care. For more information about cryotherapy or any of the other services we offer, contact us at Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital!

Almost everyone is aware that physical therapy is a common component of recovering from a surgical procedure, but it is not well known that physical therapy is also used to help prepare patients for surgery as well.

Working with a physical therapist to enhance strength and flexibility in muscles and joints is almost universally recommended by the medical community in postoperative settings. New research also reveals that physical therapy before surgery can reduce the amount of aftercare needed and improve outcomes.

What is physical therapy?

Most of us have a general understanding of physical therapy in that it is a set of exercises that help us regain function after surgery. We generally equate it with relieving pain symptoms, strengthening weak muscles, and improving joint mobility.

While these are true, achieving these results involves many detailed steps. There is an initial assessment of the patient’s current physical and mental state, followed by a more careful assessment of key physiological factors such as joint mobility and limb strength.

Once the patient has been evaluated, the physical therapist should speak with the patient and doctor to determine the desired outcome. Then a plan is developed that meets the specific needs of the patient.

Implementation of a treatment plan may involve a variety of therapeutic approaches, including

• heat
• ice
• building strength
• stretch
• Ultrasound
• mutual therapy
• electrical stimulation
• education

While some of these treatments must be performed in a clinical setting, others can be performed independently at home.

Most people are easily aware of the role of physical therapy after surgery in helping to restore strength and function, but it is less associated with other health conditions such as chronic pain, loss of limbs, acute care, and respiratory rehabilitation.

An often overlooked component of physical therapy is preventive care. While this may include exercises that build strength, flexibility and mobility, it also has a strong learning component that includes dialogue and personal education.

Physical therapy techniques

Physical therapists use a wide range of therapeutic approaches to achieve desired results, including

• Strength training – Physiotherapy is perhaps most closely related to these strength-building exercises that activate atrophic muscles. However, in recent years, there is a growing focus on improving muscle strength throughout the body to provide more functionality.
• Phototherapy – Applying red or infrared light to affected areas has been linked to increased production of DNA, ATP, and collagen, all components necessary for healing.
• Robotics one of the most advanced technologies to have entered physical therapy is robotics. With robotic treadmills and exoskeletons, physical therapists no longer need to manually move patients’ limbs. This technology can also detect subtle changes in a patient’s movement and adjust accordingly.
• Cupping – By decompressing the soft tissues just under the skin, physiotherapists can stimulate blood flow and promote healing. This is an ancient technology that has gained support among healthcare professionals in recent years.
• Ultrasound – This method has always been a staple of physical therapy. An emitter of high-frequency sound waves is placed in a problem area such as a healing fracture or plantar fasciitis. High-energy sound waves heat tissue, stimulating blood flow and speeding healing.
• Traction – Contrary to the common misconception of patients with elevated casts, traction is merely to relieve pressure on the spine to treat conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, and compressed nerves. Over several sessions, traction can relieve pain, strengthen the spine, and promote healing without surgery.

How effective is physical therapy?

It is widely accepted in the medical community that physical therapy is an effective treatment for postoperative pain. Traditionally, postoperative pain is treated with pain relievers, most notably opioids. However, in recent years, more and more pain specialists are recommending a multimodal approach to pain management that includes physical therapy.

More and more doctors are recommending that physical therapy become a priority after a surgical procedure because it speeds recovery, reduces costs, and reduces the use of valuable medical resources.

It is also becoming clear that physiotherapy before surgery has benefits as well. In one meta-study of 451 patients with anterior cruciate ligament who had surgery, it was found that those who underwent physiotherapy before surgery had better outcomes overall. These benefits are derived from the following features of preoperative physical therapy

• Mental preparation for surgery
• Reduce swelling and pain
• Enhanced range of motion
• The strongest muscles around the affected joints
• Normal movement patterns before surgery
• More endurance
• Improve overall health and wellness
• A powerful introduction to exercises for use after surgery

Physical therapy is also recommended for many other pain conditions such as arthritis and lower back pain. In one study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it was reported that arthroscopic debridement in addition to physical and medical treatments for patients with osteoarthritis of their knees was no more effective than physical and medical treatments alone.

This study and similar studies indicate that physical therapy is very effective in maintaining and restoring joint function. Physical therapy plays a major role in building strength, tissue flexibility, and range of motion.

How can physical therapy help you?

If you are planning to have surgery soon, you should discuss with your surgeon the types of physical therapy you should undergo before and after the procedure. You should expect to begin physical therapy about a month before the procedure, but the amount of rehabilitation you should complete after surgery will depend on the type of procedure and how quickly your body recovers.

Even if you’re not preparing or recovering from surgery, you can still benefit from physical therapy if you have certain health conditions such as arthritis, knee pain, or plantar fasciitis. If you have a chronic condition, you may get the most benefit from ongoing treatment, but in many cases, it may only be necessary to attend a few sessions with a physical therapist before implementing a physical therapy plan independently in your home.

Each year, about 70 million Americans suffer non-fatal injuries. More than 140,000 die from injuries, making the infection the leading cause of premature death across the country. Physical injury is also the main reason for losing a career in the future, before cancer and heart disease.

The statistics surrounding the injury are really heartbreaking. But there is always something you can do to prevent the injury from permanently affecting your quality of life. Getting high-quality physical therapy (PT), for example, can prove effective in helping you recover from your injury.

But what exactly is a natural remedy? How exactly does it benefit the patient? How do you choose the best physical therapy provider for you?

These are just some of the issues will discuss in this comprehensive guide

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy refers to treating an injury, deformity, or disease using physical methods rather than medication or surgery. These physical methods include heat therapy, massage, balance training, and aerobic exercise.

Physical therapy aims to help people with physical injuries and other medical problems that cause pain and limit their mobility, thus limiting their ability to function well in their daily lives.

There are many injuries that may require physical treatment, including:

• Musculoskeletal system weakness such as back pain, cuff tear, and osteoporosis
• Sports injuries including hamstring strains, concussions and anterior cruciate ligament tears
• Carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive wrist and hand movements that aggravate the tendons
• Injury caused by an acute injury after a car accident

The importance of physical therapy

Why do health experts recommend physical therapy for people who have been injured? The simple answer is that the physical therapy works. Here are top seven reasons to see a physical therapist.

1. PT helps manage pain

There are few cases that are more frustrating than chronic pain. Effective physical therapy techniques and remedial exercises are found in:

• muscle function recovery
• moving joints
• reduce aches
• Pain relief

If you continue to perform the therapeutic exercise your therapist recommends, you can prevent the pain from returning.

2. It can help you avoid surgery

In some cases, surgery is inevitable. However, in many other cases, you don’t have to go under the knife to heal.

Physical therapy for an acute injury can help relieve pain, aid recovery, and improve your physical health. This treatment helps heal the affected tissue and facilitates full movement on its own. In cases where you have already had surgery, physical therapy can help you recover faster.

3. Physical therapy can prevent injuries

PT usually involves evaluating the patient’s areas of weakness and formulating a physical therapy plan to help strengthen the weaknesses.

After identifying the areas of skeletal and muscular weakness in your body, your physical therapist will analyze the possibility that you have sustained an injury. They will then develop an exercise regimen aimed at strengthening any weak joints and muscle joints, thus avoiding future injuries to these areas.

4. BT promotes mobility and balance

Depending on the severity of the injury or the extent of the surgery, it may be difficult for you to get back on your feet. Injury and surgery can limit movement, making simple tasks like eating, writing, walking, or even balancing the body a huge challenge.

During such cases, physical therapy can be helpful. There are many therapeutic exercises that restore movement and make walking safer. These exercises also improve balance and the coordination, reducing the risk of falls when moving.

5. Physiotherapy helps avoid dependence on pain medication

Once you are injured and have undergone surgery, you may experience long-term pain issues that need to be dealt with. Some people choose pain relievers such as opioids to control this chronic pain. Unfortunately, these medications can have side effects, and the cost of purchasing these medications can increase.

The safest and most cost-effective treatment for pain is physical therapy.

6. Physiotherapy can help treat general health problems

An added benefit of physical therapy is that it can help with and manage other health problems. These problems include joint pain, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Unlike joint replacement surgery, physical therapy is much less painful.

PT has also been shown to be effective for other health conditions such as the heart and lung disease. The treatment is also useful for people who have had a stroke. The treatment helps strengthen the parts of the body that have lost movement as a result of a stroke.

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a progressive disease caused by inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint that gets worse over time. It affects the entire joint, including the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Its progression is influenced by age, body mass index (BMI), bone structure, genetics, muscle strength, and activity level. Knee inflammation may also develop as a secondary condition after a traumatic knee injury. Depending on the stage of the disease and whether there are injuries or concomitant conditions, knee arthritis can be treated with physical therapy.

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis may include:

• Pain that worsens during or after activity, especially when walking, going up or down stairs, or moving from a sitting to standing position.
• Pain or stiffness after sitting with the knee bent or extended for a long period of time.
• Feeling of the popping, cracking or grinding when moving the knee
• swelling after activity
• Tenderness to touch along the knee joint.

How is it diagnosed?

Knee OA is diagnosed through two basic operations. The first is based on your report of symptoms and a clinical examination. The physical therapist will ask you questions about your medical history and activity. The therapist will perform a physical exam to measure your knee’s motion (range of motion), strength, mobility, and flexibility. You may also be asked to perform different movements to see if they increase or decrease your pain.

The second tool used to diagnose knee osteoarthritis is diagnostic imaging. Your physical therapist may refer you to a doctor, who will order an X-ray of your knee in various positions to check for damage to the bone and cartilage in your knee joint. If more serious joint damage is suspected, an MRI may be ordered to look closely at the general condition of the joint and surrounding tissues. Blood tests may also be ordered to help rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of knee arthritis.

How can a physical therapist help?

Once you receive a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis, your physical therapist will design an individualized treatment program specific to the exact nature of your condition and goals. Your treatment program may include:

Range of motion exercises

Abnormal movement of the knee joint can worsen arthritis symptoms when there is additional stress on the joint. Your physical therapist will evaluate your knee’s range of motion compared to the expected normal motion and knee motion on your uninjured leg. Range of motion exercises will focus on improving your ability to bend and straighten your knee, as well as improving your flexibility to allow for increased mobility.

Muscle strengthening

Strengthening the muscles around your knee will be the essential part of your rehabilitation program. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis who adhere to strengthening programs have been shown to have less pain and an improved overall quality of life. Several factors influence joint health: the quality of the cartilage that lines the bones, the tissues in and around the joints, and the muscles attached to them. Because of the wear and tear on the cartilage associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, maintaining strength in the muscles near the joint is critical to maintaining joint health. For example, because the muscles along the front and back of your thigh (the quadriceps and hamstrings) cross the knee joint, they help control the movement and forces that are applied to the bones.

Strengthening the thigh and torso muscles can also help balance the amount of force on the knee joint, especially while walking or running. The term “cardio” refers to the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. The strong core will increase stability throughout your body as you move your arms and legs. Your physical therapist will evaluate these different muscle groups, compare the strength in each limb, and prescribe specific exercises to target your areas of weakness.

Reciprocal treatment

Physical therapists are trained in the manual (hands-on) therapy. Your physical therapist will gently move your muscles and joints to improve their mobility, flexibility and strength. These methods can target areas that are difficult to treat on your own. Adding manual therapy techniques to exercise plans has been shown to reduce pain and increase function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Preparing

Compression sleeves placed around the knee may help reduce pain and swelling. Devices such as realignment and degassing orthosis are used to modify the forces placed on the knee. These braces can help “unload” specific areas of your knee and transfer contact to less painful areas of the joint during weight-bearing activities. Depending on your symptoms and disabilities, your physical therapist will help you decide which brace may be best for you.

Activity recommendations

Physical therapists are trained to understand how to prescribe exercises for individuals with injuries or pain. Because knee osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, it is important to make a specific plan to do enough activity to treat the problem, while avoiding excessive stress on the knee joint. Activity should be prescribed and monitored based on the type, frequency, duration and intensity of your condition, with adequate time to rest and recover. Research has shown that individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee who walk more steps each day are less likely to develop functional problems in the future. Your physical therapist will consider the stage and extent of your knee OA and prescribe an individualized exercise program to meet your needs and maximize the function of your knee.

Orthopedic physical therapy can change lives. A skilled physical therapist (PT) can get you back on track with your daily activities after surgery, injury, accident or illness.

This is because an orthopedist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect any part of the musculoskeletal system.

An orthopedic PT integrates all of your other body systems—particularly the nervous and cardiovascular systems—with the musculoskeletal system to appropriately treat your injury or condition.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what orthotic physical therapy is, when you might need it, and the types of treatments it includes.

What is orthopedic physical therapy?

Orthopedic physiotherapy involves the care of the entire musculoskeletal system, which includes:

• bones
• muscles
• Ligaments and tendons
• joints
• Connective tissue

A professional orthopedic doctor can evaluate your condition and diagnose your problem or condition. This will include:

• Determine the appropriate diagnosis of movement
• Develop a treatment plan
• curative care management
• Educate you on how to manage your current injury or condition to prevent further injury
• Orthopedic physiotherapy is provided in outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, sports facilities and even in your own home.

The entry degree in PT these days is a clinical doctorate. So when you go to work with a PT, you work with a physical therapist, which has completed three years of graduate school.

What conditions does Physiotherapist treat?

Let’s look at some of the most common conditions and problems that physical therapists treat.

Conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system

Orthopedic physical therapy can be a primary or complementary treatment option for the following types of musculoskeletal diseases:

• arthritis
• bursitis
• cancer
• frozen shoulder
• knee instability
• Joint pain
• Limited range of motion
• lower back pain
• Lyme disease
• lymphedema
• muscle atrophy
• Parkinson’s disease
• plantar fasciitis
• scoliosis
• spinal stenosis
• brain attack

Some physical therapists specialize in treating specific groups of patients.

For example, an athlete’s PT can help athletes move around safely in an effort to prevent injuries. They can also help athletes recover from sports injuries.

A physical therapist who works primarily with older adults can help their patients improve their balance to prevent falls. They can also help older adults recover from the knee or hip replacement surgery, or maintain their strength and mobility as they age.

Other physical therapists specialize in helping people recover from conditions such as cancer, lower back pain or the effects of pregnancy and childbirth.

Rehabilitation after surgery

After surgery, orthopedic physical therapy may help reduce pain, restore normal walking, improve your range of motion, and prevent excessive buildup of scar tissue.

In addition, it may also help you regain your balance, strength, and mobility.

Patients often work with orthopedists after surgeries such as:

• Hip Replacement
• knee replacement
• knee arthroscopy
• rotator cuff repair
• heart operation
• cancer surgery

Rehabilitation after acute injury

An acute injury is one that occurs as a result of a single trauma to body. If you sprained your ankle, ruptured a meniscus, or herniated a disc in your back, a PT orthotic can help:

• Pain and swelling management
• Works with your doctor’s recommended weight bearing restrictions
• Regain as much of your range of the motion as possible
• Rebuild Your Strength
• Learn how to move in ways that won’t make your condition flare up again

Rehabilitation after chronic injury

Chronic injury is damage to your body that occurs over time, usually because your movement patterns have caused small, repetitive injuries to tendons, bones, or joints. Examples of chronic injuries include:

• shin splints
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• tennis elbow

An orthopedist can analyze your movement patterns to isolate the source of the injury. They can also help you manage symptoms such as pain and swelling, and they can educate you on how to move safely to avoid future injuries.

What types of treatments are used?

Orthopedists use a wide range of therapeutic techniques, exercises, assistive devices, and patient education methods to help you.

Depends on how therapist uses these treatments:

• Negative modalities (the therapist gives you the cure), or
• Active modalities (you perform or participate in the movement)
• Here are some examples of treatments that can be used in conjunction with orthopedic physical therapy.

Hot/cold therapy

Osteopathic physiotherapists use cryotherapy (cold therapy) and thermotherapy (heat therapy) to treat musculoskeletal pain and swelling.