In physical therapy, a patient works with a physical therapist to regain the physical function and fitness necessary to complete everyday tasks like driving, climbing stairs, and performing housework. Typically, physical therapy is necessary after an injury that leaves the patient with muscle or soft tissue damage or when the patient suffers a broken bone and loses muscle tone and functionality in the affected area. Often, physical therapy is part of a treatment plan that includes other therapies and procedures as well.

Why Would I Need Physical Therapy?

If you suffered soft tissue trauma, one or more broken bones, or an injury to your spine, physical therapy can help you regain flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the affected area. Education about the injury and the purpose of each therapy and exercise is a large component of physical therapy. Physical therapy can be necessary to become fully functional again after suffering an injury.

Exercises and Other Treatments Used in Physical Therapy

The exercises used during physical therapy sessions are designed to help the patient develop and regain balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination in the affected area of the body. A few examples of exercises used in physical therapy include:

• Core exercises;

• Stretching;

• Weight lifting;

• Water aerobics; and

• Walking.

Often, a physical therapist gives his or her patient a set of exercises to do at home between sessions.

Physical therapy can include other types of treatment as well. A physical therapist might use mobilization, the process of twisting, pulling, and pushing affected bones and tissue back into place with slow movements and manipulation, the application of slow, measured pressure to a joint, to realign the injured bones and muscles in the affected area. To ease the patient’s pain, the therapist might also use applied heat or ice, massage, or electrical stimulation on the affected area.

Work with an Experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If your injury reduced your muscle tone, range of motion, strength, or functionality, physical therapy may be part of your treatment plan. If so, you can seek monetary compensation from the negligent party to cover the cost of physical therapy. To learn more about this and other aspects of the medical malpractice claim process, contact our team at Baizer Kolar, P.C. today to set up your initial consultation in our office.