Orthopedic Program

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Pain in the upper, mid, or lower back
• Hip pain
• Sacroiliac pain
• “Popping” sensations with movement of the shoulders, neck, back, or hips
• Pain with sustained postures such as repeated work positioning or ergonomics of leisure activities
• Decreased ability or limitations in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) or leisure activities due to problems with your neck, back, shoulders, or hips
• Weakness in your neck, back, shoulders or hips
• Tightness in muscles of neck, back, shoulders, or hips

• General education on your condition and on how physical therapy can help
• Recommended sleeping positions
• Ergonomic set up guidance for your desk or any other sustained positions you encounter in work or leisure
• Manual therapy to reduce tension and trigger points in your muscles
• Manual therapy to improve alignment and segmental mobility of the spine, hips, and shoulder girdle
• Electrical stimulation protocols to reduce spasm and improve blood flow
• Therapeutic ultrasound to improve the healing process, decrease inflammation, or increase tissue mobility
• Establishing a home program of exercises and activities to support goals set by you and your physical therapist. This may include any combination of stretching, strengthening, range of motion or functional activities.

At your first session, your physical therapist will ask questions regarding your symptoms (such as pain, numbness, weakness, limited range of motion, or balance) and any test results you may already have obtained.

She will also ask about your usual routines, such as tasks at work or around the home as well as what your usual fitness routines may be or if you have any history of falling.

This information will be used to help her determine which specific tests to perform during your physical assessment.

With your permission, she will then examine your muscles and bones looking for asymmetries and imbalances in posture, range of motion or strength.

Your balance and gait may be assessed, as well as your functional abilities.

She may photograph your posture or measure your height.

All of this information will help determine exercises and interventions to best help you improve your musculoskeletal health and will also be used to measure progress at points of re-evaluation over the next few weeks.

At the end of the session, you may be given information on how to protect your joints or muscles during regular activities/tasks or given exercises to start with on your home program.

Depending on your personal goals as well as your physical therapist’s findings these may include postural exercises, strengthening exercises and range of motion exercises.

You may also be shown better ways to perform functional tasks around your home or office or advised on safer ways to get in and out of your vehicle.

Each week your progress will be reassessed and your home program may be adjusted depending on your improvement.

Your therapist may also work manually to decrease any muscle tightness and improve tissue mobility or range of motion.

She may also use a modality such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound if evidence supports its effective use for your specific diagnosis.

One of the most important goals in your personalized program is to get you started on a lifelong pursuit of fitness. We want you to feel better now and in the future. Your therapist will discuss the many ways you can easily add exercise to your everyday routine.