Physical Therapist Falls Church, VA

Addressing Pain With the Assistance of a Physical Therapist

Seeing ourFalls Church, VA physical therapist can yield many benefits, and can help not just to remedy pain but improve your overall health and fitness. Physical therapy is a healthcare discipline that consists of restoring proper function in the body through stretches and exercises. If you have knee pain, for example, targeted exercises and stretches aimed at strengthening muscles can alleviate your pain.  Dr. Ali R. Ramezan is the CEO of our company and is dedicated to helping his patients. Talk to a qualified physical therapist atAmeriWell Clinics to find out more information about available treatment options.

Understanding Physical TherapyThere is a lot of confusion surrounding what it means to be a physical therapist (also known as “physiotherapist”). There is even more confusion surrounding what physical therapists do. So, we anticipate you may wonder what separates us from chiropractors and decided to answer that question here.

A chiropractor will manipulate and adjust your body, so it can heal itself. A chiropractor’s primary goals are to align your spine and offer pain relief. They mainly focus on back and neck pain. The goals of physiotherapists, however, are focusing on the body as a whole and pain-free movement. We help you perform stretches that improve your health, stimulate and improve mobility, and more.

Physical therapy may include but is not limited to administrating wound care, evaluating your pain and limited mobility, performing exercises or stretches to increase your bodily movement extensions, giving you an exercise regimen to perform on your own, educating you on how to improve your posture, developing a wellness plan, and more.

There are similarities between physical therapists and chiropractors. Both of us use noninvasive work to remedy your ailments. Both of us are more cost-effective than most surgeons. Both of us use hands-on therapy. Both of us develop wellness plans that you must practice outside our sessions to maximize the benefits. Not to mention, we’re both licensed healthcare providers with at least four years of specialized training.

Common Exercises in a Physical Therapy Program

A typical program may include several types of exercises. These exercises are usually bodyweight exercises that are low-impact and easy on your joints. After your consultation, a physical therapist If you suffer from knee pain, a physical therapist may recommend exercises such as calf stretches, hamstring stretches, quadricep stretches, and more.

Stretching your calves helps to improve, reduce, and prevent knee pain. It helps you improve your flexibility. To do a calf stretch, stand a few feet facing a wall. Lean forward, and place your palms against the wall with your arms fully extended. Put one foot back behind you as far as you can, keeping both feet flat on the ground and your toes pointed towards the wall. You should feel a gentle stretch in your calf. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat on the other leg. Repeat the stretch two to three times.

Sit on a soft mat and extend one leg out in front of you, keeping your toes pointed and back straight. Keep your other leg bent with the bottom of your foot next to your leg. Lean forward and reach towards your ankle. You should feel a gentle stretch in your back thigh. Hold the position for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other leg.

To do a quadricep stretch, stand up straight and stand on one leg. Lift one foot and grab it with one hand. Pull gently upwards towards your lower back and you should feel a gentle stretch in the front of your quadriceps muscles. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side. As you get stronger, your physical therapist will give you more exercises to do so that you can continue to build strength.

Effective Strategies to Treat Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is a widespread issue that can severely impact a person’s daily life and activities. Physical therapists are highly trained professionals who employ various techniques to address muscle pain effectively. From manual therapies to therapeutic exercises, heat and cold therapies, and electrical stimulation, their treatment approach is comprehensive and tailored to each individual’s needs.

Muscle Therapy and Therapeutic Therapy

Manual therapy techniques are a cornerstone of physical therapy for muscle pain. Skilled therapists use hands-on methods such as massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and joint mobilization to alleviate tension, improve mobility, and restore proper muscle function. Therapeutic massage targets specific muscles, increasing blood flow and promoting relaxation, while trigger point therapy targets localized knots to release tightness and alleviate pain. Myofascial release, on the other hand, focuses on the connective tissue surrounding muscles to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Joint mobilization techniques are used to address muscle pain caused by joint dysfunction by improving joint alignment.

Therapeutic exercises are another essential aspect of physical therapy for muscle pain. These exercises are customized to target the affected muscle groups, improve posture, and promote better body mechanics. Stretching exercises are used to lengthen tight muscles and improve flexibility, reducing tension and enhancing mobility. Strengthening exercises, on the other hand, help build up weak muscles to improve stability and support the injured area, reducing the likelihood of recurring pain. Core strengthening exercises not only alleviate back pain but also enhance overall body alignment and balance, preventing future issues.

Heat and Cold Therapies and Electrical Stimulation

Hot and cold therapies are commonly used modalities to manage muscle pain and inflammation. Heat therapy is applied to increase blood flow, relax muscles, and promote healing, making it particularly effective for chronic muscle pain or stiffness. On the other hand, cold therapy involves applying ice or cold packs to the injured area to reduce inflammation, numb pain, and limit swelling. This is often used for acute muscle injuries or after intense physical activities.

Electrical stimulation is a cutting-edge technique that is used to treat muscle pain. Through low-level electrical currents, these therapies stimulate nerves and muscles, providing pain relief and improving muscle function. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices deliver electrical impulses through electrodes near the affected area, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain and releasing endorphins for pain relief. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) uses electrical currents to contract and relax targeted muscles, promoting blood flow, reducing muscle spasms, and relieving pain.

Your Falls Church physical therapist will tailor their treatment plans to each patient, considering their specific condition, severity of pain, and overall health. They employ a combination of these strategies, often integrating manual therapies with therapeutic exercises and complementary modalities to achieve the best results. They play a crucial role in educating patients about injury prevention, proper body mechanics, and self-management techniques to maintain progress and prevent future issues.

The benefits of physical therapy for muscle pain extend beyond just pain relief. By addressing the root cause of the pain and promoting muscle health, physical therapy can enhance a person’s overall well-being, allowing them to return to their normal activities with improved strength and mobility. It is essential to consult a qualified professional when experiencing muscle pain to receive a personalized treatment plan that will address individual needs and accelerate the healing process.

Reasons to Visit a Physical Therapist

• Reduces Your Likelihood of Needing Surgery

Did you know that scheduling regular visits with the professionals at AmeriWell Clinics can alleviate many of your aches and pains? If you have been in an accident or are recovering from an intentionally inflicted injury, you are probably experiencing severe pain. You may feel as though your bones or muscles are misaligned or “bent out of shape”. Typically, when either of those is the case, your first thought is to get surgery. However, surgery can be dangerous and expensive. Not to mention, surgeries can be wrong.

Fortunately, physical therapy is a trusted first step you can take to alleviate your bodily problems. Many of our clients came in thinking they needed costly surgery and left realizing that we were all they needed. Of course, there are serious injuries that will require surgery. But don’t be afraid to try physical therapy first. New medical studies report that expert physical therapy can be as efficient as surgery–without the downtime of recovery and being cut open.

• Reduces The Negative Effects of Aging

Aging is inevitable. As we age, our bones can weaken and start bending. Our skin can lose its elasticity. Our muscles might tighten up. In short, as we grow older we realize that our bodies can become stiff and our poor posture will be detrimental to our health. However, a skilled physical therapist can assist with your osteoarthritis, joint issues, and arthritic pain. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan on how you can improve your bodily health and reverse some of the effects of aging. For example, we can advise you on how many steps you should walk each day, which exercises are best to remedy your ailments, and more.

• Promotes Weight Loss

Many diet plans can help you achieve an ideal weight for your body type. Although we are not nutritionists, physical therapists are trained in an array of biological and scientific knowledge that permits us to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Physical therapy includes exercise, such as stretching, which can boost your metabolism. Stretching daily can help you cut calories. Standing, walking, and avoiding long stints of sitting can also help you burn calories. Furthermore, physical therapy will increase your heart health, lungs, blood circulation, and other factors that all aid in weight loss. Remember, moving your limbs is medicine to your body.

• Boosts Your Overall Strength

As physical therapy we understand why your body does and doesn’t move how you want. We understand how to get your body moving how you want it to move. Although you may not know what you’re doing wrong, we do, so trust us with your muscle and joint issues. Once you take our advice, you’ll notice your body doing what you want it to and, most of all, you’ll feel a boost in your overall bodily strength.

Falls Church Physical Therapists Statistics

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, as of 2022, there are 312,716 licensed physical therapists in the United States. It is important to note that this number is expected to grow in the coming years, as the demand for physical therapy services continues to increase.

Falls Church Physical Therapist FAQs

When Is It Time To Visit A Physical Therapist?

You should feel free to see our physical therapist in Falls Church at AmeriWell Clinics whenever you feel pain or restricted movement capability. But there are certain circumstances where you may be more likely to visit us. Many of our clients come after they’ve been involved in a serious accident. For example, a car collision may leave you with long-term ailments. Coming to us can remedy your pain. Visiting us can also be helpful should you pursue a personal injury case against the at-fault driver because we can verify your pain levels and the side effects of the accident.

Our clients also come after they’ve had surgery. The first weeks or months post-surgery can leave you stiff. Thankfully, we can help speed up your recovery process. Also, receiving one of our specialized exercise plans can help ensure your stiffness and restricted movements don’t become permanent.

How Long Do Physical Therapists Study For Their Careers?

Physical therapists generally take between 6 and 7 years to become a physical therapist. They complete an undergraduate program followed by a 3-year doctorate program to become a physical therapist. Many of them complete an undergraduate program in exercise science, kinesiology, biology, and other related programs.

What Do Physical Therapists Learn in School?

Physical therapists first earn a 4-year undergraduate degree from a university. They then join a physical therapy program that they typically complete in 2 to 3 years. They will learn the physical therapy basics like which exercises can be done for restoring certain areas of the body as well as good communication skills with patients and other professionals. They also learn about the fundamentals and details about good health and staying well. These skills and experiences have provided the foundation for them to become physical therapists.

Which Exercises Are Right For You?

When you visit with your physical therapist in Falls Church, VA they will sit down with you and learn about which areas of your body are affecting you. That way they can know if you have any aches, pains, or soreness that may hamper your exercise. They will also take the time to listen and understand better about which parts of your body need therapy to bring back function. The physical therapy program will be carefully considered for each client after learning more about their needs. Contact our team today to get your therapy started.

What Happens in a Therapy Session?

During a session, a physical therapist will apply techniques to help mobilize joints by either manual manipulation or carefully directed instructions. The exercises you do during your session are chosen to help your issue in particular.

What’s the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?

Physical therapy deals with the whole body, anywhere from the inner ear to the feet. A physical therapist looks at the body as a whole and is focused on getting people up and moving while working on things like balance and overall strength. An occupational therapist specializes a little more in the upper extremities, arms, and hands. They are very task-related and often go more into depth with someone’s fine motor skills. You may find that your physical therapist collaborates with an occupational therapist to ensure that you get the treatment you need.

What Does Physical Therapy Look Like at Home?

When you are at home, you will have instructions from your Falls Church physical therapist about what techniques to use. If you are one of the people who has a physical therapist come to your house, then they will often make suggestions on how to rearrange furniture and household items to make it as safe as possible. Sometimes they may bring equipment to your home but often they will use objects that you already have, so you don’t have to go buy anything.

What is the Difference Between Physical Therapy for Younger Adults and Older Adults?

Typically, when you think of the recovery time, the time for older adults will be longer. Seniors don’t heal as quickly as someone younger. While this is the case, elderly people who need care shouldn’t be brushed off. While it may take longer to see any improvements, that doesn’t mean they won’t happen. The main difference is that the level of therapy is not going to be as aggressive as it would be for someone younger. For seniors, it would be more moderate and there would be modifications but other than those changes it would be like anyone else.

What Does it Mean if Physical Therapy Takes Longer Than You Thought?

It is important to note that physical therapy isn’t a quick fix. Many people want it to be, but the truth is, it isn’t. It requires time as it takes time for your body to repair itself. If you try to speed up the process, then you could risk a re-injury. Physical therapy happens in stages and you have to work through one stage to reach the next stage. While it does take time, if you want results that last, then you have to do the whole program from beginning to end. If you need the help of a physical therapist after you have been injured, it is crucial that you understand our office helps those who are in need of physical therapy, whether it is from a degenerative condition or an accident. If you still have questions about how a Falls Church physical therapist can help you, don’t hesitate to reach out to AmeriWell Clinics today.

Falls Church Physical Therapist Infographic

AmeriWell Clinics, Falls Church Physical Therapist

5985 Columbia Pike Suite 100 Falls Church, VA 22041

Contact Our Falls Church Physical Therapist Today

There are a number of benefits that physical therapy can offer. Whether you need to recover after an injury or want to improve your flexibility, physical therapy can lead to positive results. Schedule a consultation at AmericWell Clinics with a trusted physical therapist in Falls Church, Virginia to find out more.