So, your doctor recommends physical therapy. You may wonder what physical therapy can do for you and what you can expect. You may want to know the types of treatments often used and the timeline necessary to get expected results. Finally, you want to know how physical therapy can make a difference in returning you to your desired lifestyle.

All of these concerns are valid and appropriate to discuss with your physical therapist. A discussion resulting in a good understanding can be simple or complicated depending on each patient’s diagnosis, personality, and background.

Physical therapy can treat a wide variety of symptoms and a broad spectrum of diagnoses. No matter what stage of treatment you are currently receiving, there are aspects of your recovery that can be enhanced and expedited through physical therapy evaluation and treatment.

Whether you are trying to avoid surgery, scheduled for upcoming surgery, or have already undergone a procedure, physical therapy can be used to minimize symptoms of pain as well as associated swelling and muscle tension. In many cases, strengthening specific muscles and/or increasing flexibility can maximize function and speed recovery time. Treatment of joints and muscles surrounding your area of pain may prevent the development of additional ailments or secondary complications such as pain stemming from inactivity, muscle atrophy, inflexibility, osteoporosis, degenerative joint conditions, obesity, and general deconditioning.

Your physical therapist is your guide as you learn how to modify activities that often contribute to symptoms. Activity modification includes designing an appropriate ergonomic work space or instruction in safe lifting practices. If goals include returning to work or sport, exercises and activities are designed to help you safely return to your desired activity. Physical therapists can help you learn how to best manage symptoms and to recognize limitations while at home. As a patient you will learn how to participate in a progressive home exercise program designed to achieve your ongoing goals and maximize your full potential after being discharged from formal physical therapy treatments. It’s important to continue what you learn since benefits of exercise, posture, ergonomics and/or modalities are realized by proper implementation and consistency.

The duration of your physical therapy depends on multiple factors including your diagnosis and severity of symptoms. It also depends on how quickly certain goals can be accomplished including reducing your pain, meeting your functional goals, and designing and educating you in a specific home exercise program.

To achieve your goals, Sonoran Physical Therapy offers a variety of treatment methods. We believe no two patients are alike, and each patient will progress at a different pace. Whereas, one person may benefit from aggressive strength training, another may require a less aggressive approach and/or additional pain relieving treatments. We are equipped with a number of pain relieving techniques and equipment. We utilize specialized exercise equipment that is easily modifiable for each patient’s need and ability. We guide patients through a specialized exercise program including one-on-one instruction and provide written descriptions and photographs of each exercise. Patients are treated by a physical therapist who specializes in manual therapy techniques. Patients receive instruction in other areas including posture, ergonomics, and lifting mechanics.

At Sonoran Physical Therapy, we focus on individually tailored treatment programs to maximize each patient’s potential for recovery and prevention of future injury. It is our philosophy that each of the phases of physical therapy, from education and pain relief to stretching, strengthening, and manual treatments, be specifically designed for every patient. We are committed to working with you to establish goals and a treatment program that will succeed.

We invite you to come to see for yourself. You are encouraged to schedule an initial evaluation at Sonoran Physical Therapy. We are committed to providing you a satisfying and helpful experience to help you meet your life goals from our friendly, experienced, and professional staff. We look forward to seeing you!