Physical Therapy

If you suffer an injury while playing sports or working, or you undergo surgery, consider physical therapy. This safe and effective treatment modality can improve your circulation, ease pain, and restore your mobility. At Medical Access, with convenient locations in Germantown, Maryland, or in Alexandria and Woodbridge, Virginia, the experienced physical therapists help teenage and adult patients recover and return to their normal routines. To schedule an appointment today, call the nearest office, or book a consultation online.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy uses stretching, light exercise, massage, and other manual treatment modalities to relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent the need for surgery. It’s safe for patients of all ages and helps speed up your body’s natural healing process.

What types of problems can physical therapy address?

Medical Access uses physical therapy to treat a variety of common health problems, including:

• Chronic and acute pain
• Auto accident injuries, such as whiplash
• Sports-related injuries like sprained ankles
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Balance and coordination issues
• Muscle strains
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Parkinson’s disease
• Developmental delays
• Muscular dystrophy
• Arthritis

You might also benefit from physical therapy if you recently underwent orthopedic surgery. Physical therapy can limit swelling and stiffness, improve circulation, and help you return to exercise and other routine activities.

Is physical therapy right for me?

If you regularly experience acute or chronic pain and the symptoms negatively affect your mobility or overall quality of life, you’re probably a good candidate for physical therapy. 

Physical therapy at Medical Access focuses on strengthening your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This improves your range of motion and optimizes functionality. Physical therapy exercises the hard and soft tissues throughout your body without overexerting them. This process builds strength and helps you perform daily tasks more easily.

Prior to developing a custom care plan, your provider conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your goals for treatment. They use this information to develop a physical therapy regimen that aligns with your unique needs.

How long does physical therapy take?

Physical therapy can take a few weeks, a few months, or more than a year. The length of your treatment regimen depends on the severity of your condition, your physical health, and your rate of progress. 

For example, if you suffer a minor ankle sprain, you might notice an improvement in your symptoms within a couple of weeks. If you break a bone or dislocate a joint, the recovery process may take longer.

Be patient, follow your physical therapist’s instructions as closely as possible, and attend all of your appointments. The more committed you are to treatment, the quicker you’ll achieve your desired results. 

Is physical therapy safe?

Physical therapy is safe and usually well-tolerated. You may experience some stiffness or muscle soreness following each appointment, but this isn't anything to worry about. You can relieve any aches and pains with rest and ice or by taking over-the-counter pain medication.

To learn more about the benefits of physical therapy, schedule an appointment at Medical Access. Call the nearest office today, or book a consultation online.