The musculoskeletal system is a complex and ever-changing system that sometimes can confuse and baffle even the most tuned-in and self-aware person.  At these times, expert observation and intervention are what physical therapists can offer. We can help to re-establish the body’s balance and harmony which leads to healing.

There are any number of factors which can overwhelm one’s understanding of what is going on in their body and confuse us as to what to do about it.

Surgery

Although the goal of surgery is to correct pathology, the process is so alien to the realm of normal experience that it is difficult to interpret the tidal wave of sensations that are present postoperatively.  Am I pushing myself too hard? Am I pushing myself hard enough?  Is this pain normal? Am I doing harm to myself by doing this activity?

All these questions and many more go through the mind of the post-op patient and physical therapy can answer these questions and lead to a happy resolution so can enjoy the outcome of surgery.

Chronic Pain

We often think of an area of chronic pain as the tip of an iceberg.  The 20% above the water (representing the area of pain) is maintained and perpetuated by the 80% below the water.

That 80% below the water is silent and unknown to most.  The expert eye of the physical therapist can see areas to work on that aren’t obviously connected.

Injury

When the musculoskeletal system is injured (i.e. when you throw your back out or sprain your ankle), the body’s healing power begins its miraculous job.  In most cases, time does heal all.  There are two key words in the above sentence that warrant a response.

The first key word is “time”. If all we had to do was sit around and convalesce, all would be well, but the pressures of our life require us to get better sooner, rather than later.  Physical therapy can usually speed up that process significantly.

The second key word is “most”.  There are injuries that don’t respond to time and convalescence. These are the injuries that become chronic (greater than 6-8 weeks). Once again the physical therapist can become a problem-solver and seek to discover the non-obvious factors that are preventing the timely recovery of injury.

The title, physical therapist, says a lot.  We provide help with physical problems. Problems of the MS system are our specialty at ABA Physical Therapy.  Let us help you through the recovery process.             Steve Anderson PT