Physical Therapy Los Angeles

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive form of medical care that seeks to treat medical conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries through mechanical and physical manipulations. Depending on the nature of an illness, injury, or disability, treatments may take the form of massage, soft stretches, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, thermal therapy, and many more. Whatever the treatment form is, the goal is to restore and maintain an individual’s functional capacity, as well as the ability to move, without resorting to surgery. Physical therapy is employed not only to minimize pain and strain presently felt by patients, but also to strengthen the body naturally so as to prevent future reinjury. It is deemed as a more long-term solution to a variety of conditions, as its effects usually last way beyond other treatment forms for pain management.

How is physical therapy done?

Physical therapy are usually carried out by licensed practitioners with training in physical therapy, called physical therapists (PTs). As with any other disease or injury, care starts with diagnosis, determined through physical, neurological and historical evaluations. Physical therapists may also recommend patients to go through imaging tests for an in-depth understanding of the condition, and the physical circumstances of the individual. Physical therapy treatment plans are then developed, employing established techniques that help patients reacquire mobility and function, and reduce symptomatic pain. Physical therapists usually also teach patients some of the light workouts and stretches for them to continuously be able to do at home, as well as orienting them to choices that would promote a sufficiently active lifestyle that could also benefit them from their respective conditions.

What is physical therapy usually used for?

Physical therapy in Los Angeles is recommended to patients from all ages, from children with inborn musculoskeletal disability, to older patients recovering from stroke or vehicular accidents. Physical therapy also has several specialized fields such as cardiopulmonary, orthopaedic, and neurological care, and could thus be used for an incredibly wide variety of cases. Physical therapy, being mechanical, is also usually given to patients in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as nerve blocks, and pain management care. Some of the more specific types of physical therapy are listed below:

• Electrotherapy and wound management – employs the use of regulated electric currents to stimulate nerves and muscles as treatment of some form of paralysis, as well as to stimulate accelerated wound healing.
• Neurological physical therapy – therapy given to patients with nerve-related conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis, brain injury, ALS) affecting mobility in order to retard loss of muscular function
• Geriatric physical therapy – treatment care for patients who are suffering from musculoskeletal, or nerve-related degeneration and conditions due to aging.
• Integumentary physical therapy – a form of intervention focusing on the rehabilitating skin tissue, as in wound and burn care
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation – therapy for heart or lung-related conditions including post-surgical recovery
• Pediatric physical therapy – physical therapy for rehabilitating children with birth defects affecting muscle function which aims to improve motor skills, build strength, and acquire balance
• Sports-related therapy – care usually given to athletes who sustained injuries from playing, as well as a preventive measure to strengthen core muscles frequently used in a specific sport
• Orthopedic physical therapy – a mostly out-patient care which supplements orthopedic treatments (e.g. surgery) for musculoskeletal injuries to help patients recover motor function
• Physical therapy for palliative care – care given to cancer patients to help them maintain a certain amount of functional independence even as they deal with debilitating symptoms

Where can I get physical therapy in Los Angeles?

Physical therapy has a wide variety of specializations which may be able to help you, whatever your condition. The best course of action would be to approach your doctor regarding possible physical therapy options. Dr. Kevin Li, MD, a pain management physician from Los Angeles, could help. He employs the latest technology and set of practices, including physical therapy to help patients get through their pain. Dr. Li’s multiple certifications and pervasive experience in pain management would guarantee you the best of care. Why don’t you get in touch with his clinic today at (626) 538 – 8950 to set an appointment? A doctor who believes in holistic, patient-centered care is always best. After all, pain doesn’t have to be your life. What are you waiting for?