Questions To Ask Your Physical Therapist

Your first time walking into a physical therapist’s office can feel overwhelming. Not only does your visit imply an injury of some sort which already causes a certain level of stress, but dealing with medical forms, personnel, and insurance can often feel like you are leaping through hurdles… which is hard with an injury. We strive to take care of every patient that walks through our doors holistically, and we want you to feel comfortable every step of the way. Whoever your physical therapist is, they will likely be asking you a wide range of questions so that they know how to serve you best. Here are a few questions you can ask them in order to know what to expect and to be sure you are getting the best care possible. 

What Should I Expect From My Physical Therapy Sessions?

Getting a thorough answer to this question will really help put your mind at ease because it will reduce the amount of unknown factors to expect. You will want to get a picture of not only the session you are in now, but a general overview of how the exercises will progress throughout your time in physical therapy.

It’s good to ask this at the beginning of your first physical therapy session because so many moves and positions are going to be new to you, and your physical therapist will likely do a lot of hands-on help in order to get you in the proper form and for you to learn all of the new moves. It helps to know exactly what you should expect when someone is putting their hands on you, so asking this question ahead of time will help ease the tension a lot. 

What Is Expected From Me During Physical Therapy?

Odds are, the time that you spend with your physical therapist during your appointment will not be the only therapy you need to be doing. You will likely have homework that entails doing certain stretches or exercises on your own at home between sessions. These at home workouts will be crucial to your recovery and will likely have a lot to do with how effective your physical therapy appointments are. In order to get the best recovery time possible, be sure that you know exactly what is expected from you for any home workouts, stretches, or restrictions, and you will want to be sure to honor those expectations as best you can!

How Long Do You Expect Me To Need Physical Therapy?

Your physical therapy timeline will be affected by a lot of various factors like how extreme your injury is, your age, how well you do your home stretches, and much more. Your physical therapist should be able to give you a general timeline on how long you will be needing physical therapy appointments, but you must be aware that this timeline can change due to a wide range of variables. 

Will You Always Be Doing My Therapy?

You will want the same licensed physical therapist doing your hands-on therapy as much as possible. Obviously, situations can arise where you have to change your appointment or your therapist is out one week, but in general, you will want your standing scheduled appointment to be with the same therapist. Consistency is such an important part of your healing, and that includes consistency in your therapist. 

Looking for more answer about what to expect from physical therapy, or trying to find a physical therapist near you? Contact Limitless Physical Therapy, a physical therapy clinic in San Marcos, to learn how we can help.

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Digestive Issues: How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapists are not typically the first medical professional that comes to mind when you think of digestive and other gastrointestinal disorders. The fact of the matter is that physical therapists are capable of helping you with various types of digestive issues. It is still important that you work with a nutritionist or doctor to fix your diet but a physical therapist can aid greatly in relieving pain.

Digestive Conditions That Physical Therapy Can Help Treat

Not every single condition can be treated with a physical therapist. Here are a few of the most common conditions that affect the gastrointestinal systems that are capable of being treated with physical therapy.

Abdominal Distention

Abdominal distention is more commonly known as bloating. There are a few reasons that it can occur with the most common being overeating. With digestive disorders, the expansion of the stomach can occur erroneously causing the stomach to contract rather than expand quality. Physical therapists can target this with biofeedback techniques.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome has a wide range of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is constipation. Physical therapists can assist you by applying various massage techniques to the muscles of the pelvic floor to help relax the area. Biofeedback can also help teach the muscles of the pelvic floor to relax whenever you need to use the bathroom. There are also breathing techniques that are used during physical therapy that can help assist with more comfortable bowel movements.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD

This condition is known by most people as acid reflux. It occurs whenever a portion of the stomach is pushed up through the diaphragm. This causes the esophagus to have a bit of a leak. Because there is a leak in the esophagus stomach acid can move freely into the throat where it can be painful. A physical therapist can help treat the body by applying massage technics and other forms of physical manipulation to help reposition the stomach within the body.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO

This is a gastrointestinal condition that most commonly occurs after surgeries or whenever the valves of the small intestine malfunction. It causes bacteria to build up and it can be a very serious condition. Physical therapists can help the small intestine so that everything flows through properly.

A Few Tips On Finding A Good Physical Therapist

Even though physical therapists are capable of assisting patients who are suffering from digestive or other gastrointestinal issues that do not mean that all physical therapists. An equally good job. You definitely want to make sure that whichever doctor you end up working with has some experience with patients that suffer from similar conditions to yours. It will not do you very much good if the doctor has never worked with a patient that has a gastrointestinal issue. One of the easiest ways that you can figure out if they have experience with this is by looking at their website for giving their office a call and simply asking them if they have the experience that you are looking for.

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Best At-Home Physical Therapy Exercises

Many people who have had an injury, illness, or surgery, are usually in need of physical therapy to help them get their body back to functioning properly. After any of these events, the doctor will prescribe visiting a physical therapist to help with regaining flexibility, mobility, or to help with pain relief. The physical therapist will diagnose your specific needs, then devise an exercise plan exclusively for each individual patient. One suggestion that the exercise experts may include is the convenience of doing physical therapy exercises at home. These exercises will be designed to help facilitate movement and relieve pain from injuries or illness.

Benefits of Physical Therapy at Home

The physical therapist will prescribe exercises that are specific to the need of the patient. The movement strategies will help the body grow and change if it needs to in a positive way. An in home physical therapy rehab program will be designed to become an integral part of a daily routine to help restore movement in the body after a specific condition. The exercises will help improve strength and range of motion, balance and flexibility, vertigo and dizziness, mobility function, and exercises for cardio-respiratory. The exercises will help strengthen and stretch the joints and muscles, improve function and mobility, help with the recovery or prevention of injuries related to sports, and help manage arthritis and other age related issues.

Types of In-home Physical Therapy Exercise

These exercises are based on the condition for which they are to restore. There are specific Strengthening exercises for the legs that include straight leg raises from a lying down on the back position, bending the right knee, and raising the left leg toward the ceiling. Other exercises for strengthening the legs include The Bridge, and The Clam-shell. Stretching exercises are also great for improving mobility. These include the hamstring stretch where the patient lies on their back, raise the left leg and clasp the hands around the back of the left thigh, and pull the knee to the chest. They would then straighten the knee until a stretch in the back of the thigh is felt. The Piriformis stretch is another stretching exercise where the patient lies on their back, knees bent, and feet on floor. They cross right ankle over left knee, clasp hands around left thigh, then pull knee toward chest. The stretch should be felt in om right buttocks, thigh, and hips.

Physical therapy is a targeted treatment option that can also treat the body as a whole. Exercise is also beneficial for overall health issues including certain diseases and disorders associated with aging. Exercises for the physical aspect of the body can also help reduce high blood pressure, and blood glucose levels which can also help enhance the healing process from injuries. Exercise is the primary tool used by physical therapists to help patients move and feel better. The doctor will recommend a physical therapist if an injury, illness, or surgery prevents normal body function, mobility, and flexibility.

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What are the Benefits of IASTM treatment?

Soft tissue injuries include damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and sometimes the fascia at some location in the body. Most commonly, these injuries occur from strains, sprains, a blow that results in a ruptured blood vessel or bruising, or from an overuse of a body part. These injuries can cause swelling, pain, and loss of function. The repeated occurrence of surgery, immobilization, and strains, could cause adhesions withing the soft tissue. There are a variety of tools that will help clinicians locate and treat people with soft tissue dysfunction efficiently. These are the IASTM, or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.

What is the IASTM?

The Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization has been made of different materials, but a popular one is the Graston Technique. It can help alleviate symptoms associated with limited or painful motion, motor control issues such as coordination or muscle activation, or muscle recruitment issues. Some of the common conditions that can be treated with IASTM are Achilles tendinosis, tendinopathies, IT band syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, and plantar fasciitis. These are just a few of the injuries that IASTM can treat, and there are others.

The benefits of IASTM and how it works

People who have injuries to soft tissue usually do not get treatment right away. It is typically weeks or months before a doctor is seen. By this time the self healing process has completed. Adhesions and scar tissue have formed that could cause pain and limited motion. These can be like super glue to the body. Scar tissue causes new cells to lay down in a disorganized manner. This prevents muscles from lengthening properly. The physical therapist will often have to restart the healing process so that the soft tissue can be remodeled in the affected area. The IASTM is used to introduce controlled microtrauma to the soft tissue area to stimulate a local inflammatory response. This initiates the re-absorption of excessive scar tissue, and the remodeling of the soft tissue structure that was affected is facilitated. After this treatment and the remodeling of the scar tissue, the cells will become organized to better promote movement.

What to expect from the IASTM treatment

A person receiving the Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization treatment must realize that it essentially re-injures the body in a controlled manner, and to a lesser degree. During the procedure, patients may have some discomfort, and may have some soreness in the area that was treated. The number of treatments may vary from person to person, but usually two treatments per week for up to five weeks. Generally, positive results can be experienced by the third or fourth treatment.

Exercise after the IASTM treatment is important. The muscles need to be stretched to help build up strength in the injured area, and flexibility as well. The entire process can be accelerated if patients follow the prescribed recommendation of their physical therapist to do home exercises following an Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization treatment. The body will feel like new again.

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What To Expect At Physical Therapy

The goal of physical therapy is to provide treatment that will lead to relief of pain or reclaimed movement, among other healing goals. However, physical therapists also strive to offer the quality of physical therapy services that will make individuals feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their treatment, in the office and out. Take a look below at the many ways professional therapists work to make your physical therapy treatment a success.

Technology

When you talk to your physical therapist about the best treatment for your needs, you may be surprised by the amount of technology available to help diagnose and treat your condition. A variety of computerized x-rays may help determine the best treatment. Treatment methods themselves can range from well-known manual physical therapy and IASTM techniques to cryotherapy. Your physical therapist has thorough knowledge about all of the technology that may be used and are always happy to answer your questions.

Talented Staff

Professional physical therapists administer a variety of physical therapy treatments, depending on your treatment needs. Physical therapy experts are trained in manual physical therapy, IASTM techniques, dry needling, and even the therapeutic use of cryotherapy. In addition, they work with every individual to ensure that they are aware of and comfortable with their treatment so that everyone knows what to expect during their sessions.

One of the most important things physical therapists do is to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms or condition. One of the most helpful sources is the patient. The information provided by patients can greatly influence the treatment plan decided upon. Because of this, it’s important to be open with your physical therapist about your needs.

Many patients can explain just how much they need help when they first visit a physical therapist. Some individuals have been considering physical therapy for some time, and are certain of the help they need. Physical therapists are experts at using that information with their diagnosis to create a treatment plan that will meet the individual’s needs and goals safely.

Communication

Physical therapists work hard to promote communication during planning and treatment sessions. As mentioned previously, communicating with your therapist is essential. Your physical therapist’s office is set up to be comfortable for everyone, so you can relax and be honest about your needs and expectations. If you ever feel confused or uncomfortable about part of your treatment plan, always share your concerns instead of keeping them to yourself.

This is very important because without natural communication, nothing else will happen. At times, therapy might take longer than a standard time because of a patient’s reservations. All of this can be changed and if the patient feels more comfortable, they will receive better results.

Relief

One of the many benefits of physical therapy is relief in mind and body. While physical therapy treatments focus on relieving physical discomfort, pain relief also brings release of the psychological stress and fear that comes with pain. For individuals recovering from post surgical pain, physical trauma, and other conditions, easing the associated stress can be a huge relief.

Your physical therapist is dedicated to restoring your body’s comfort and movement whenever possible. Your relief is their goal, and they have the training and experience to help you. All you have to do is remember to communicate your needs and work together with your physical therapist to follow the treatment plan they’ve built for you.

Are you looking for physical therapy in San Marcos, or would you like more information about physical therapy treatments? Visit Limitless Physical Therapy and Wellness, a San Marcos physical therapy clinic, to speak to a professional about physical therapy.

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How Dry Needling Relieves Pain

Pain can be debilitating, and sufferers are often willing to do whatever it takes to find relief, even if it involves being poked all over the body with tiny needles. Dry needling trigger point therapy is an effective drug-free treatment for muscle pain that has been used for decades. It is performed by physical therapists who are specially trained in the procedure. It is used by athletes and people suffering from musculoskeletal pain and chronic injuries. There is minimal discomfort while the treatment is being performed.

We use dry needling therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal issues. These include hip and back pain, neck and shoulder stiffness and pain in the heel. Dry needling therapy is most often performed as part of a comprehensive pain treatment plan that includes massage therapy, specific exercises and other techniques. If you are searching for an excellent treatment for chronic pain, dry needling therapy could work for you.

How Dry Needling Works

The reason it is called dry needling is that the needles do not inject anything into the body. They are the same needles used in acupuncture. These tiny sterile needles are inserted through the skin and into muscle tissue, targeting myofascial muscle points, or knots. They are also called trigger points and create debilitating inflammation and pain.
How dry needling works is not completely understood, but experts theorize that the needles stimulate electrical activity where they are inserted. This results in a muscle twitch, which is helpful for restoring normal muscle movement.

Relieve Tight Muscles And Improve Circulation

When we insert a dry needle into muscle tissue it increases blood flow, which is another way this treatment helps. By improving circulation, pain is decreased both in the muscle and in other parts of the body. Often, when a muscle is sore, it can provoke pain in other parts of the body, often called referred pain. Increased blood flow flushes out the area and decreases tension.

Natural Pain Relief

While pain medications have their place in relieving chronic pain, it is often in the best interest of the patient to use drug-free methods for obtaining relief. Dry needling trigger point therapy has been shown to increase the production of specific neurotransmitters. These include opiate peptides like beta-endorphins, which are natural pain killers made by the body. These neurotransmitters block the sensations of pain from reaching both the spinal cord and the brain.

Each individual is unique, so results vary. Some patients find relief of muscle soreness and mobility after only one treatment. Other patients need multiple sessions coupled with complementary treatments such as stretching exercises and massage therapy. There might be muscle soreness in the areas treated for one or two days after the treatment. It is also important that the patient wear loose clothing and keep the muscle moving.

If you are suffering from chronic pain and limited mobility, dry needling trigger point therapy might be just what the doctor ordered. Contact your health care provider and discover if it is right for you.

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The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

As we age, adapting certain habits and practices is crucial in keeping our bodies as healthy and as safe as possible. When it comes to mature adults, especially those over the age of 60, physical therapy is one of the best ways to get the proper exercise that can help heal and prevent injury from daily activities, which we are more prone to experience over time. Participating in physical therapy could help you or someone you love have increased mobility, avoid unnecessary injuries, and have better strength and overall health.

The Fall Risk 

As we get older, our bones and muscle mass are not the only things that begin to change. Seniors are prone to additional side effects of aging like loss of balance, joint stiffness, a diminished vision, hearing loss, and bone diseases like Arthritis and Osteoporosis. This combination of physical side effects puts mature adults at a high risk for falling. In fact, according to the CDC, over one third of adults over the age 65 experience at least one fall a year, and these falls often result in moderate to very severe injuries. 

The Benefit of Physical Therapy

While many people wait until physical therapy is prescribed after a serious fall, surgery, or injury occurs in order to help heal and alleviate pain, participating in physical therapy as a preventative measure to these cases is one of the best things you can do! The exercises taught during physical therapy will give each patient a basis for how to properly take care of their changing bodies while giving them the ability to maintain as much strength and muscle mass as possible. The aches and pains that come along with age can be severely reduced by consistent physical therapy, which can greatly improve the quality of life for any senior. 

Other Benefits

Not only does participating in physical therapy, either preventive or prescribed, help you decrease your chances of suffering a fall and help you heal after an injury or hospitalization, but there are a wide range of other benefits too! Because of the chronic pain that can be brought on by various conditions like osteoporosis, many seniors are prescribed an over abundance of medications. With one benefit of physical therapy being reduced pain and symptoms from these conditions, this also allows many people to reduce their medication load, reducing the cost as well as simplifying everyday life. 

There is not a one size fits all approach to physical therapy because every individual has a specific set of needs in order to reach their most optimal health. Your physical therapist will work closely with you to cater every stretch and exercise to you and your needs. And while the thought of addressing your need or the need of someone you love for physical therapy can seem daunting, the opportunity for every person to lead a healthy, happy, and independent lifestyle for as long as possible is priceless. 

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