Orthopedics
Orthopedics is the branch of medical science that is concerned with the management of disorders of the musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, and all of the supporting structures). A physical therapist that specializes in orthopedics has advanced knowledge and skills in the prevention and treatment of injuries to the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, spine, muscles, ligaments, and remaining soft tissues in the body. Orthopedic physical therapists are trained to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries and create specific treatments based on each patient’s individual needs. While there are many different treatments, many include manual therapy and therapeutic exercises.
Common diagnoses treated by OCS are:
- Bursitis
- Joint Pain
- Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Work related injuries
- Post surgical impairments
Resources
For more information, visit the Orthopedic Specialty Website at: www.orthopt.org.
Pack Right/Travel Right Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9apd2XZqqww
Protect Your Back This Winter
- Lift smaller loads of snow, rather than heavy shovelfuls. Take care to bend your knees and lift with your legs rather than with your back.
- Use a shovel with a handle that lets you keep your back straight while lifting. A short handle will cause you to bend more to lift the load. Using a shovel that's too long makes the weight at the end heavier.
Click here for a complete list of snow shoveling tips!
Who's Your Orthopedic PT?
Find a PT allows you to search a national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the purpose of finding a physical therapist who is right for you. Click on the link to search for a PT, by specialty, in your area today!
Who is Your Physical Therapist?
Most people can tell you who their dentist or even hairdresser is. People build relationships with these professionals. How often do you hear people discuss who their physical therapists are?
Having a physical therapist who knows you and your functional goals can go a long way when dealing with pain, strength/motion loss, and nerve damage from a variety of injuries. Physical therapists provide individualized and hands-on methods to decrease discomfort and movement limitations.
It’s like knowing who to call for a toothache. Who is your physical therapist?
How Can Physical Therapy Help You?
Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. Physical therapists diagnose and treat people of all ages, including newborns, children, and elderly individuals. They may consult and practice with other health professionals to help you improve your mobility.
The physical therapist assistant is a licensed individual who works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant has the knowledge, skills, and value-based behaviors needed to help implement the interventions prescribed by the physical therapist in the plan of care. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are the only valid providers of physical therapy services.
Your Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Can Help You With:
- Arthritis
- Balance Disorders
- Back Pain
- Knee Pain
- Osteoporosis
- Overuse Injuries
- Shoulder Pain
- Stroke
- Sprains, strains, and fractures
- And much more
In Ohio, you can see a Physical Therapist Without Referral!
In most states, you can make an appointment with a physical therapist directly, without a physician’s referral. In 2004 Ohio became the 39th state in the nation to authorize physical therapists to evaluate and manage patients without a referral. More information on direct access.
Find My Physical Therapist
Find a PT allows you to search a national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the purpose of finding a physical therapist who is right for you.
Become a PT or PTA
Learn more about the profession of physical therapy and how you can become a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant through the links below.
