The terms physical therapy and rehabilitation are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Essentially, physical therapy is just one aspect of rehabilitation. If you are healing from an injury, have had surgery, or have a disabling medical condition, you may require physical rehabilitation, which encompasses physical therapy as part of your treatment.
Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation may be required for an injury or condition which is causing you a temporary or permanent reduction in functionality. Physical rehabilitation is part of a branch of medicine called physiatry. It refers to the process of restoring and enhancing your ability to carry out day to day activities. Physiatrists are medical experts who evaluate, diagnose, and manage many conditions and injuries such as spine injuries, severe or chronic pain, joint conditions, and other musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
A physiatrist’s role is to give diagnoses and treatments in order for you to achieve better outcomes and a greater level of independence. They maximize what you can do as well as work with you to adapt to what you cannot do. Physiatrists assess your needs and requirements by carrying out a physical examination, ordering diagnostic testing, and assessing your medical records. They will then create an individualized treatment plan to suit your needs and will often prescribe treatments, such as physical therapy, to help you recover.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy aims to improve your movement, functional ability, and overall wellbeing and quality of life after you develop a medical condition or injury or have had surgery. They use manual therapy methods to improve the alignment and flexibility of bones and soft tissues, helping to reduce pain and improve function. Physical therapists are also trained to work with patients who require assistive devices (such as braces, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, standers, and shower chairs) and can teach you to use them correctly and safely. The main responsibilities of a physical therapist include:
Improving Mobility and Balance
Physical therapy can help if you are having mobility problems, such as difficulty standing, walking, writing, lifting, or moving. Physical therapy will include strengthening and stretching exercises to restore movement and coordination and the use of assistive devices to help you carry out activities more comfortably. Physical therapy can help you move with less pain, allowing you a more active lifestyle.
Reducing or Eliminating Pain
Therapeutic physical therapy exercises and treatments, such as massage, hot and cold therapies, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation can relieve pain, reduce aching, promote healing, mobilize joints and soft tissue, and restore muscle and joint function.
Physical Rehabilitation in Fort Worth, Texas
At Texas Medical Institute, we offer comprehensive physical rehabilitation customized to your needs, which can include physical therapy. Our physical therapy focuses on strengthening your body, increasing flexibility and range of motion, and improving coordination and balance.
We use a variety of treatment methods, including massage, hot and cold therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation to ensure a quick and effective recovery.
To learn more about our physical rehabilitation services, call us today at (817) 615-8633 or use our secure online form to request an appointment.
