Physical Therapy Specialist

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy strengthens your musculoskeletal system when you've suffered an injury, had a serious illness, or undergone surgery. It's the foundation of most orthopedic rehabilitation programs and offers patients significant benefits.

There are many techniques used in physical therapy. These may be active (you complete specific movements and exercises) or passive (your therapist performs the treatment). A combination of active and passive approaches often works best.

Integrity Orthopedics offers one-on-one sessions with experienced therapists. Dr. Kristen Classen has a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has over 12 years of experience in physical therapy and 20-plus years as a personal trainer.

William Classen has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. He has a degree in physical therapy from Mount Washington College in Manchester, New Hampshire, and was previously a personal trainer.

Both therapists focus on your individual needs to improve physical function quickly and efficiently.

What techniques do physical therapists use?

The numerous techniques that physical therapists use include:

• Joint mobilization

• Strain-counter strain

• Soft tissue mobilization

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Resistance and endurance exercises

• Posture exercises

• Balance and coordination exercises

• Therapeutic massage

• Myofascial release

• Muscle energy techniques

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Post-operative rehabilitation

• Laser therapy

During your recovery, you might need to wear a splint or brace or use assistive devices like canes, crutches, or walkers. Your physical therapist at Integrity Orthopedics can help you with fitting and using these devices.

What conditions benefit from physical therapy?

There are few health problems that don't benefit from some form of physical therapy. Conditions the physical therapy team at Integrity Orthopedics treats most often include:

• Sports injuries

• Fractures and dislocations

Sprains and strains

• Chronic pain conditions

• Hip, knee, and shoulder pain

• Arthritis

• Back and neck pain

• Neuropathic pain

Physical therapy is also essential for optimal recovery after orthopedic surgeries such as joint replacement, tendon and ligament reconstruction, and spine surgery.

Why is physical therapy so important?

Physical therapy is critical to the successful restoration of musculoskeletal function. Some of the many benefits it offers are:

• Reduction in pain

• Improved circulation

• Effective lymphatic drainage

• Accelerated healing

• Reduction of swelling and inflammation

Increased range of motion.

• Minimal scar tissue formation

• Effective stress management

• Prevention of depression

Skipping physical therapy not only has an adverse effect on your injured tissues, but the rest of your body as well. Lack of activity makes you stiffer, weaker, and less able to cope, but expert physical therapy helps keep your body healthy without overstressing or aggravating your injury.

To benefit from the first-class physical therapy services at Integrity Orthopedics, call or book online today.