Maybe you rolled an ankle, your shoulder has been stiff for months, arthritis is slowing you down or you're getting ready for knee surgery. Whatever brought you here, the goal is usually the same: move with less pain and get back to what matters to you. That's the purpose of orthopedic physical therapy.
Orthopedic physical therapy treats injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system: bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. An orthopedic physical therapist evaluates how you move, finds what's holding you back and builds a plan of exercise, hands-on care and education. The same principles used to rehab professional athletes apply to weekend athletes, busy parents and retirees.
Conditions orthopedic physical therapy treats
People start physical therapy for a wide range of problems, including:
- Sprains, strains and other sports injuries
- Back and neck pain, including pain that travels down a leg or arm
- Tendinitis and bursitis
- Arthritis and stiff joints
- Shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and foot pain
- Weakness and stiffness after a fracture heals
- Work-related and repetitive strain injuries
- Recovery after surgery, such as a joint replacement, ACL reconstruction or rotator cuff repair (see post-surgical rehab)
What happens at your first visit
Your first appointment is mostly an evaluation. Your therapist will ask about your symptoms, how the problem started, your health history and what you want to get back to, whether that's lifting a grandchild, getting through a workday or finishing a season.
Next comes a hands-on exam of how you move: range of motion, strength, balance, posture and the specific movements that hurt. Physical therapists are trained to assess many musculoskeletal problems without imaging, and they coordinate with your physician if you need an X-ray, an MRI or a specialist. You should leave with a clear explanation of what's going on, goals and a starting plan.
What treatment usually includes
Most plans combine several approaches:
- Therapeutic exercise to rebuild strength, flexibility, endurance and control
- Manual therapy, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue work, to ease pain and stiffness
- Balance and movement training for safer walking, lifting, running or sport
- Education about your condition, activity changes and managing flare-ups
- Other treatments, such as heat, ice or electrical stimulation, when they support the plan
- A home exercise program to keep progress going between visits
Doing your home exercises consistently is one of the most important parts of recovery. Our physical therapy page describes how we tailor plans to each person.
Pacing your rehab: lessons from pro sports
In professional sports, rehab is a constant balancing act. A pitcher's rotator cuff and a running back's torn ACL call for very different plans. Progress too quickly and the athlete risks reinjury; progress too slowly and the return is delayed for no reason. The physical therapist, who often spends more one-on-one time with the athlete than anyone else on the care team, adjusts the plan as the body responds.
You get the same approach. Your therapist will advance exercises as you meet goals, scale back when symptoms flare and keep your doctor or surgeon informed. Your feedback matters, so share how you felt after each session.
Symptoms that need a doctor first
Physical therapy is a good first step for many aches and injuries, but some symptoms need a physician's evaluation first. Call 911 for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or signs of a stroke, such as a drooping face, arm weakness or slurred speech. Go to the emergency room for back pain with new loss of bladder or bowel control.
See a doctor promptly for:
- An injury you can't bear weight on, or a joint that looks deformed
- A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with fever
- Back pain along with a history of cancer or weight loss you can't explain
- Pain that is severe at night or keeps getting worse
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between orthopedic and sports physical therapy?
They overlap a great deal. Orthopedic physical therapy covers musculoskeletal injuries and conditions for people of all ages and activity levels, from arthritis to rehab after surgery. Sports physical therapy is a closely related specialty focused on athletes, with added emphasis on performance, sport-specific movement and a safe return to play. Many therapists do both.
Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?
Often you don't. New York allows up to 10 visits or 30 days without a referral, whichever comes first, with a physical therapist who has at least three years of full-time practice. Connecticut also allows it for qualifying therapists, who must refer you to another provider if you show no measurable progress within 30 days or six visits. Workers' compensation and New York no-fault cases need a referral, as do some insurance plans.
What should I wear to physical therapy?
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in that let your therapist see and reach the area being treated, such as shorts for a knee or hip problem or a loose T-shirt or tank top for a shoulder. Supportive athletic shoes are a good choice for most visits. If you're coming from work, bring a change of clothes.
Start physical therapy at PMR
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR) offers physical therapy for injuries, arthritis, chronic pain and recovery after surgery at offices in Danbury, Connecticut, and Brewster, New York. Request an appointment and we’ll reach out to schedule your first visit, or find the office nearest you.