Acute injury management during a physical therapy session focuses on providing rehabilitation and therapeutic care to individuals who have sustained recent injuries. Here's what you can expect during a physical therapy session for acute injury management:
Evaluation and Assessment:
Your physical therapist will begin by assessing the nature and severity of your injury. They will review your medical history and ask about the circumstances surrounding the injury.
Setting Goals:
You and your physical therapist will discuss your goals for rehabilitation. This may include pain reduction, restoring range of motion, improving strength, and regaining functional abilities.
Treatment Plan:
Your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the assessment. This plan will outline the exercises and interventions you'll undergo during your sessions and may include home exercises and activities.
Pain Management:
If you are experiencing pain, your therapist will help you manage it through techniques such as ice or heat application, electrical stimulation, or manual therapy.
Range of Motion and Mobility:
Exercises and techniques to restore or improve joint flexibility, range of motion, and mobility will be a key component of the session.
Strength Training:
Strengthening exercises are often a central part of injury rehabilitation. Your therapist will guide you through exercises targeting the affected area and surrounding muscle groups.
Functional Rehabilitation:
Depending on your injury, you'll work on functional movements and activities that are essential for your daily life and specific to your injury. This may include practicing how to walk, sit, stand, or perform specific tasks.
Balance and Coordination:
If your injury has affected your balance and coordination, your therapist will provide exercises and activities to improve these skills.
Manual Therapy:
Physical therapists may use hands-on techniques like joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and massage to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Education:
You'll receive education on how to manage your injury, prevent further problems, and maintain your progress at home.
Progress Monitoring:
Your physical therapist will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. They may also communicate with your healthcare provider as needed.
Home Exercise Program:
In most cases, you'll be given a home exercise program to continue your rehabilitation outside of the physical therapy sessions.
Duration and Frequency:
The number of sessions and their frequency will depend on your injury and your progress. Typically, acute injury management through physical therapy may span several weeks to a few months.
It's important to actively participate in your rehabilitation and communicate with your doctor about any changes or concerns during the process.