Specialized Physical Therapy Services

Some patients who are experiencing muscle fatigue or pain may need to follow a specialized physical therapy plan. Cupping, aquatics, and low-intensity exercises are some treatment processes that a physical therapist or occupational therapist may prescribe.

Specialized Services

There are some situations that warrant seeking specialized physical therapy treatment processes. A patient who was diagnosed with cancer, but is in remission and a patient who has arthritis, muscle degeneration, or a physical deformity may not respond to some of the standard physical therapy processes that are often prescribed. A physical therapy team may consist of multiple physical therapists and occupational therapists.

Each team member will be vital in helping a patient recover or improve their physical functions. Physical treatment processes aid in supporting and strengthening muscles. They also help reduce pain.

Specialized services are not offered through every treatment center. A patient may initially be referred to one treatment center, but ultimately be referred to a secondary treatment center that offers specialized services. An individual's age and physical limitations may influence which types of treatments are offered and the exact treatment center that a patient is advised to seek treatment processes through. 

Treatment Plans

Treatment plans will typically include several prescribed services. While a patient is in the beginning recovery phase, they may need to use adaptations and mobility aids that will support their independence. An occupational therapist may work directly with a client and provide them with guidance that will help them regain or maintain their independence.

A physical therapist may prescribe deep tissue massage techniques. Cupping is one form of deep tissue massage. Special cups are pressed against various body parts, forming a suction. The cupping process will aid in improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and inducing a relaxed state. Aquatics are prescribed for patients who may have difficulty standing, bending over, and squatting. The buoyancy of a patient's body will allow them to move more freely.

Heated water will induce relaxation and may increase a patient's ability to move freely. A therapist may get in the water with a patient and aid them with learning some exercise techniques. Support aids may be used during an aquatic treatment session.

Low-intensity exercises allow a patient to slowly and safely recover. Low-intensity exercises may be advised if a patient is severely restricted in how much they can move. Older patients, as well as those with debilitating injuries, may qualify for a low-intensity treatment process.

Reach out to a physical therapy clinic to learn more.