Physical Therapy

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• QHow is motion analysis software used in physical therapy?

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  A Fernando Vega, DPT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Baptist Health South Florida

  Motion analysis software has many applications in physical therapy. Physical therapists have used it to help people of all ages recover from different injuries, from the elderly with broken hips to high-school athletes working on excelling their performance.

  The motion analysis system can also be used outside the rehab center, allowing the physical therapist to film people in their normal environment. For example, they can take the laptop and small video cameras to the park to film a baseball player throwing or pitching a ball. They can then share videos with coaches to help them fix the player's mechanics when throwing the baseball. Physical therapists can even draw on the video frames to highlight areas they want coaches to note. It’s a very useful tool.

  Another useful feature of the motion analysis computer program is its video "mirror" function. It plays back in real time video of people’s exertion so they can watch themselves in action—walking, jumping and moving in other ways, to see firsthand the type and locations of weaknesses in their movements. It also has models of "ideal" movements built into the software. Using an avatar, like those featured in today’s popular video games, the person’s video can sync with the model to mirror movements and see what needs to be aligned.

• QWhy is physical therapy so important after an orthopedic injury?

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  A Dr. Charles J. Jordan, MD , Orthopedic Surgery, answered on behalf of Baptist Health South Florida

  Physical therapy is important after an orthopedic injury because rehabilitation, specifically physical therapy, is a vital component to healing from an orthopedic injury.

  A lot of orthopedic injuries are difficult, especially for people who are very active and want to get back to the same level of speed and strength. Physical therapists apply what they think is going to make people feel better after an orthopedic injury. They let doctors know what the technology is showing and work with them as a team.

• QWhat is motion analysis in physical therapy?

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  A Fernando Vega, DPT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Baptist Health South Florida

  Motion analysis is something physical therapists use in the beginning or the end of physical therapy to tailor treatment for a very specific injury. Motion analysis is a special technology that analyzes motion to pinpoint the exact cause of the pain. Using video of people’s movements, a special software slows down the motion to analyze how they’re stepping, striking their heel, extending their knees, shoulder and more. It gives physical therapists very precise measurements.

  Everyone’s norm is different. Analyzing specific movements and correlating measurements, such as the length of and timing of steps and strides, defines deviations and identifies range of motion deficit.

• QWhat kind of physical therapy is needed after hip surgery?

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  A Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

  After hip surgery, improving flexibility and strength is the mainstay of physical therapy. Physical therapy following hip surgery can start with things as simple as working on transferring from a bed to a chair.

  There are many types of hip surgery. One of the most common is a hip joint replacement. Following hip replacements, physical therapy can be extremely helpful in the healing process. Stiffness and muscle weakness are very common following any joint replacement which is why physical therapy is so important. The exercises and stretches recommended by the therapist depend on the strength and baseline of the person.

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• QHow does physical therapy help after surgery?

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  A Karel Wilkinson, PT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

  

  Patients who’ve had recent surgeries will benefit with physical therapy to help regain function. Watch Karel Wilkinson, PT, CLT, LANA, or Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, explain more.

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• QHow can physical therapy help manage headaches?

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  A Karel Wilkinson, PT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

  

  Physical therapists can help manage chronic headaches by teaching patients how to use their muscles correctly and reduce their pain. Watch Karel Wilkinson, PT, CLT, LANA, or Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, explain more. 
• QWill my doctor attend the physical therapy session as I start rehab?

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  A Karel Wilkinson, PT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

  

  Doctors are not present at physical therapy sessions, but progress notes are presented to the doctor to help manage care. Watch Karel Wilkinson, PT, CLT, LANA, or Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, explain more.

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• QHow do I choose a physical therapist after joint replacement surgery?

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  A Dr. Scott D. Martin, MD , Orthopedic Surgery, answered

  After joint replacement surgery, much of your experience in the hospital and afterward will center on physical therapy, so it is worth your while to investigate this ahead of time. Look for a physical therapist who is used to working with joint replacement patients. A good physical therapist or rehabilitation center individualizes your rehab program in consultation with your doctor, finds ways you can gain muscle strength even while joint damage limits your activity, helps keep you going even through some discomfort, and helps you reach your goals (whether just walking comfortably or returning to a favorite sport).
• QWill physical therapy be everyday?

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  A Karel Wilkinson, PT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

  

  After the initial evaluation, a treatment plan is created to best fit a patient's range of motion and therapy needs. Watch Karel Wilkinson, PT, CLT, LANA, or Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. explain more.

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• QWho is the typical physical therapy client/patient?

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  A Karel Wilkinson, PT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

  

  Physical therapists can see anyone from athletes, to infants, to the elderly with mobility issues. Watch Karel Wilkinson, PT, CLT, LANA, or Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, explain more.

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