Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that addresses issues related to the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Issues that develop in these parts of the body are usually due to a traumatic incident, overuse or natural bodily changes, and they can be treated in a number of different ways. The most effective orthopedic care requires several important components, and Hyattsville physical therapy is one of them that can play a key role at many stages of the treatment process.

When most people hear the word orthopedics, the first thing that comes to mind is probably an orthopedic surgeon. While surgery may be recommended for severe and/or long-term injuries and conditions—especially for very active athletes—it is far from necessary in all cases. Treatment approaches for orthopedic injuries include both conservative management strategies—such as medications, injections and physical and occupational therapy—as well as the more invasive options like surgery.

The main reason that physical therapy is a core component of orthopedics and why the two overlap so much is that they both work towards the same overall goals. When a patient suffers from an orthopedic injury, certain parts of their musculoskeletal system are disrupted, which will lead to pain and a limited ability to function normally. The goal of both physical therapy and orthopedics is to address and fix these problems within the musculoskeletal system, so the patient can go on to function fully once again.

Physical therapy can therefore be used in a few ways to address an orthopedic injury:

• 1) A patient gets injured and goes directly to see a physical therapist
• 2) A patient gets injured and sees an orthopedic physician, or orthopedist, who then refers the patient to a physical therapist
• 3) The orthopedist recommends surgery for the patient, and then prescribes a course of physical therapy prior to the surgical procedure (“prehabilitation”)
• 4) The orthopedist recommends surgery and prescribes physical therapy as part of the post-surgical rehabilitation program

How a physical therapist addresses the patient’s orthopedic injury depends on the injury itself and at which stage therapy is utilized (e.g. before surgery, after surgery, etc.), but most treatment programs are generally pretty similar. At CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services, our Hyattsville physical therapy treatment programs are based on an initial evaluation of each patient for strength, flexibility, balance, posture and several other physical measures. From there, we set to establish the goals that patients would like to achieve, and shape treatment around their injury, abilities, and goals.

If physical therapy is initiated exclusive of surgery, we will aim to improve strength, flexibility and functioning through various exercises, pain-relieving treatments and hands-on therapy from the therapist. Usually, a main goal here is to avoid surgery, but some patients fail to improve, and surgery may be recommended. If this is the case, the treatment program will either prepare a patient for the recovery ahead once the procedure is complete, or play a major role in speeding up the recovery process and bringing patients back to full strength as quickly and safely as possible. Once again, it’s all about correcting any musculoskeletal problems and rebalancing the body, so that every patient can move and function normally after orthopedic treatment is complete.

Certain physical therapists actualize specialize in orthopedic care and work exclusively with orthopedic surgeons, but most physical therapists are capable of treating orthopedic injuries at any stage. Here at CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services, we offer several Hyattsville physical therapy programs to address just about any type of orthopedic injury, and we invite you to come see us if you’re dealing with pain. Contact us at 301-853-0093 to schedule an appointment at any of our four clinics in Laurel, Hyattsville, Glenn Dale/Bowie or Parkville/Baltimore, MD today, or click here for more information on physical therapy and orthopedic care.