Modern Physical Therapy: Not just for Bones and Joints

Many people have experienced Physical Therapy (PT) as an important part of their healing after an orthopedic injury. In Jackson Hole, with our community of avid recreationalists, we often count on PT to help us get back to the sports and activities we love. A lesser known fact is that Physical Therapy is a vital part of preventive care, rehabilitation and treatment for many additional life conditions and circumstances. From pregnancy to vertigo, and from cancer to concussions, Physical therapy is an effective treatment for every level of the health journey for patients of all ages.

New moms post-birth can benefit from Physical Therapy through a pelvic health program in which therapists follow the new mom from hospital to home with the goal of pelvic floor rehab. Or, if the birth story concluded in cesarean section surgery, therapists can help with challenging transfers in and out of bed as well as exercises to recover the surgical area. In addition, therapists partner with new parents to teach infant massage and positioning that aid in the baby’s digestion, ease fussiness, and are great for increasing early parent-child bonding.

Physical therapists are also trained to support people living with cancer and help in the management of cancer-related problems. For example, specialized therapists are certified in lymphedema management, a common effect of cancer and its treatment when lymph fluid is blocked from draining as it normally would, causing swelling. Physical therapists increase the amount of tools in the cancer survivor’s toolbox to keep them living life on their terms.

In Jackson Hole, physical therapists support a Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury program through conducting baseline cognitive screens of young athletes, measuring multiple areas from their balance to cognitive abilities. When a young person suffers from a sports-related injury, their physician can quickly access their baseline testing data and understand the extent of the new injury on their functioning, illuminating a path forward towards effective rehab.

And for patients experiencing vertigo and dizziness symptoms, sometimes a single 15-minute treatment is able to take care of the problem permanently.

In addition to the outpatient clinic, PT is available in many other kinds of settings, such as the hospital, an Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, or even your home. For instance, in the hospital setting, physical therapists work with patients after a joint replacement surgery to get them off to a great start to their recovery. And in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF), therapists work intensively on a daily basis with individuals who have experienced stroke or neurological conditions to help these patients regain functional independence.

Whatever your needs for improved functionality and movement, Physical Therapy can often help.