Maintaining optimal musculoskeletal health and fitness helps support mobility and reduce pain. At Injury and Health Institute in San Antonio, Texas, board-certified family medicine specialist Melissa Kempf, MD, and the team offer physical therapy to restore function to damaged joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy. 

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a medical specialty that focuses on improving movement and range of motion in the musculoskeletal system. With a team of licensed physical therapists and chiropractors, Injury and Health Institute can diagnose and treat the underlying causes of chronic pain while preventing reinjury. 

What types of conditions can physical therapy address?

The team at Injury and Health Institute uses physical therapy to address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

Joint pain

Joints are where two connecting bones meet. Soft cartilage and bursae (fluid-filled sacs) protect joints from damage. As you age, friction and wear-and-tear on these protective structures leave the joints vulnerable to deterioration. Pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion can develop. Physical therapy can help minimize swelling and improve your joints’ range of motion.

Tendonitis

Tendons attach muscles to bones, allowing you to move comfortably. When tendons get inflamed, they become tender and sore. Damage to the tendons in your shoulders, neck and back, knees, and heels can diminish your mobility.

Back and neck pain

Neck and back pain are the most common types of musculoskeletal pain. A muscle strain, herniated disc, or inflamed bursa can cause pain anywhere along the spine.

Ankle sprains

Ankle sprains occur when the ligament that supports the joint stretches or tears. The team can determine the severity of your sprain through a physical exam and imaging scans.

Diagnosing your condition requires a complete medical history review and physical exam. The team may also order lab work and imaging tests, like X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

What are the different treatments in physical therapy?

Once the team diagnoses your condition, they can recommend the appropriate treatment. Your treatment plan may include:

• Heat and ice therapy
• Activity modification
• Stretches and rehabilitation exercises
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Spinal manipulation
• Massage therapy

With an integrative approach to care, the team usually includes multiple types of treatments to restore function to your injured area. Your plan may change as you navigate the recovery process.

Call Injury and Health Institute today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about physical therapy.

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