We have all been there – “pulled” a muscle in our lower back or ‘tweaked’ and ankle. Strains and sprains can happen virtually anywhere in the body. These occur when a muscle or tendon (strain) or ligament (sprain) is overstretched or injured.
Your therapist will work with you to better understand what led to your injury and implement a treatment program that puts you on a speedy path to recovery. Additionally, he or she will educate you on strategies to avoid re-injury.
Treatments may include: Strengthening and flexibility exercises, manual therapy and neuromuscular re-education and control. These treatments will be combined with functional activity training to ensure carryover into real life activities.
For those who have had the unfortunate experience of having broken a bone – the good news is that PT can help! Your therapist will aide you in regaining movement of the joint that has been lost due to prolonged immobility (or use of a cast/splint). Additionally, your therapist will help you regain strength – muscle atrophy (wasting away of muscle) is a common occurrence after a fracture. If you are still using a cane or crutches, your physical therapist will instruct you on how to use these devices properly and how to discontinue their use (when appropriate) in a safe manner.