• 16 Dec 2020
• |
• By Admin

Definition & Scope Of Orthopedic Physiotherapy For Injury And Trauma

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Orthopedics is the branch of medicine, which studies muscular and skeletal systems in the human body. In case there are any injuries, deformities, or disorders related to our joints, muscles and bones, then it comes under orthopedics.

In this blog, we will understand more about orthopedic physiotherapy, and the scope of orthopedic physiotherapy for injuries and trauma.

To start with, what exactly is orthopedic physiotherapy?

Definition Of Orthopedic Physiotherapy

When physical therapy is conducted for the musculoskeletal system in our body, then it’s called Orthopedic Physiotherapy.

Musculoskeletal system provides stability, movement, and form to the human body, and consists of:

-Bones

-Muscles

-Tendons

-Ligaments

-Joints

-Cartilage

-Other connective tissue

-Synovium

-Bursae

-Fascia

Hence, physiotherapy applied for treatment and improvement of the functions of these components under the Musculoskeletal system is Orthopedic Physiotherapy.

When Orthopedic Physiotherapy Is Applied?

In case of injury or trauma to the musculoskeletal system in our body, orthopedic physiotherapy is applied to improve the condition and to enable the patient to recover his/her original posture, movement and stability.

Orthopedic Physiotherapy can be applied in cases of:

-Sprains

-Post fracture treatment

-Post-surgery treatment

-Repetitive injuries

-Strains

-Sports injuries

In some extreme cases, the patient’s neck and back can also be included under Orthopedic Physiotherapy.

Who Is An Orthopedic Physiotherapist?

Orthopedic Physiotherapist is an expert who can diagnose, manage and treat orthopedic conditions in those patients whose musculoskeletal system is impacted by injuries and disorders.

An orthopedic physiotherapist also conducts various rehabilitation programs for patients who have undergone orthopedic surgeries.

Some of the orthopedic cases where an orthopedic physiotherapist can provide his/her expertise:

-Post-operative joints

-Acute sports injuries

-Arthritis

-Cartilage damage

-Amputations

-Work injuries

-Lyme disease

-Rehabilitation Management

-ACL Tear

-Knee Instability

-Meniscus tear

-Patella pain

-Hip bursitis

-Hip pain

-Achilles tendon injuries

-Plantar fasciitis

-Tennis elbow

-Wrist pain

-Golfer’s elbow

-Clavicle fracture

-Frozen fracture

-Rotator cuff tear

-Degenerative disc disease

-Scoliosis

-Spinal stenosis

-And more

How Can Orthopedic Physiotherapy Help You?

The orthopedic physiotherapist will diagnose the patient, and depending on the prevailing condition, the appropriate physical therapies and treatments are designed.

Mainly, there are 5 types of therapies involved here:

Therapeutic modalities

In this, the physiotherapist may use ultrasound, ice, water, heat, electrical stimulation, ry needling, or laser to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, enhance relaxation and reduce pain.

Assistive devices

Depending on the severity of the orthopedic condition, the physiotherapist may recommend the usage of assistive devices such as braces, walkers, canes, crutches, slings during or after the therapy session.

Assessment and evaluation

This is an ongoing process, which starts from day 1. The therapist will closely observe you, and your movements and how it impacts your life. This starts before the physician therapies are designed, and then during the exercises, and after the exercises end.

The objective is to take note of the patient’s balance, posture, range of motion, strength and pain, which directly influences the orthopedic exercises.

Mobilization and massage

Both mobilization and massage are used to get the muscles and joints moving, and to improve blood flow. The patient can be administered hands-on manual therapy, wherein the joints and bones are manually moved by the therapist.

Exercises

These 4 above mentioned tools and strategies are mainly for improving the movement. However, the most important aspect is exercising, which is done by the patient and helps them recover faster.

The exercises are suggested and recommended by the Orthopedic Physiotherapist only, which will help the patient to improve and increase endurance, range of motion, flexibility, balance, mobility, and strength.

Consult with our expert Orthopedic Physiotherapists at CureNow to find out how we can help the patients recover from orthopedic conditions.