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The physical therapist is a key member of the health care team, specially trained to improve movement, restore function and relieve pain. Through evaluation and individualized treatment programs, physical therapists can treat existing problems and provide preventative health care for people with a variety of needs. Therapeutic interventions focus on posture, gait, strength, endurance, cardiopulmonary function, balance, coordination, joint mobility, flexibility, pain and functional abilities in daily living skills.
Hoag Hospital's physical therapy team works closely with the physician, patient and family to provide evaluation and treatment for a variety of orthopedic injuries involving:
- Simple and complex dysfunctions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine
- Musculoskeletal disorders
After evaluation, a treatment plan is developed to address each patient's individual needs. Treatment may involve:
- Exercises for strength, flexibility and conditioning
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization
- Patient, family and caregiver education
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Functional mobility and transfer training
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Pain can result from injury, inflammation or immobilization in the joints and soft tissue. The physical therapist may use exercise, joint/soft tissue mobilization, heat, cold or other modalities to reduce pain.
Range of motion in joints is often impaired after injury or surgery. The physical therapist may use joint and soft tissue mobilization or stretching exercises to restore necessary motion.
Movement depends on adequate muscle strength. Muscles may weaken from surgery, injury or disuse. Physical therapists help improve strength through exercise and electrical stimulation.
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