As you heal from an injury like a fracture or sprain, you might experience limited movement, an inability to bear weight on your joints or bones, and repeated and debilitating pain. You want to heal as quickly as possible so you can resume your normal routine and avoid the discomfort that comes from your injury.
To regain strength in the injured part of your body, you may need to exercise and learn to bear weight on it again. You can benefit from the endurance and exercise you will receive when you undergo orthopedic physical therapy.
Bearing Weight
When you undergo orthopedic physical therapy, you will learn how to bear weight on the injured part of your body. For example, if you suffered a fractured ankle, you may need to relearn how to put weight on it and walk normally again. You may be afraid to accomplish this important recovery skill on your own.
You can work with a professional therapist during your orthopedic physical therapy to put weight on your ankle gradually and build up resistance in this joint. Your therapist can ensure you remain safe and stable during the exercises and avoid undertaking any motion that might risk reinjuring your ankle.
Overcoming Pain
Your orthopedic physical therapy can also help you heal from pain from your injury. You may want to wean yourself off the prescription pain medications the doctor gave you at the hospital. You likewise may want to go an entire day without taking strong over-the-counter pain relievers.
When you exercise and regain motion in the injured part of your body, you help it build up resistance and experience less pain. You may reach a point quickly where you can avoid having to rely on pain medications for relief and can instead move and bear weight normally without experiencing discomfort.
Regaining Motion
Finally, your orthopedic physical therapy can help you regain motion and allow you to resume your normal routine faster. You may be able to bend over, walk up a flight of stairs, drive, and otherwise move as you did before you suffered an injury. You may avoid having to use a mobility device like a cane or crutches to keep you steady.
Orthopedic physical therapy serves an important purpose as you heal from a fracture or sprain. You learn how to bear weight on the injured part of your body. You may also heal from pain faster and regain your full range of motion.
Contact a physical therapist to learn more about orthopedic physical therapy.