Physical Therapist Takoma Park, MD

During a consultation with a physical therapist Takoma Park, MD clients trust at AmeriWell Clinics, they may ask us what the difference is between physical therapy and chiropractors. Many people who suffer from musculoskeletal issues try to find out more information about their treatment options. Here at AmeriWell Clinics, we have a variety of non-invasive approaches that can help you heal from an injury, chronic condition, or other ailments. The treatment plan is going to be based on the individual and unique needs of each patient.

If you are looking for alternative medicine methods and a comprehensive care plan, then look no further than a physical therapist Takoma Park, MD families rely on from AmeriWell Clinics.

What is physical therapy?

Most people have heard of physical therapy, but may not have tried it themselves yet. Physical therapy is utilized to identify and treat impairments or disorders related to movement. Treatments may entail stretching, exercises, and hot/cold therapy. Patient goals for physical therapy often include wanting to regain lost mobility to an area of their body, learn about how to maintain their health, or prevent future injuries.

Treatment sessions for physical therapy may happen in a hospital, nursing home, chiropractic office, or at the client’s home. Physical therapists can be found in many environments and can truly make a difference in a person’s physical and mental health. If you are interested in trying out physical therapy with a physical therapist Takoma Park, MD clients trust for care, then don’t hesitate to call us right now.

How is chiropractic care different?

The goal of chiropractic care is to realign the spinal vertebrae and other joints in the body that may be out of placement, helping to reduce pain and pressure on the nerves. The focus of chiropractics is shifted more towards fixing subluxations. Chiropractors may use their own hands or a small tool to perform a treatment. The most common form of chiropractic treatment is spinal adjustments. However, these adjustments may be utilized in combination with physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, stretching, muscle stimulation (electric), and ultrasound waves for optimal results.

How do I know which is right for me?

Well, here at AmeriWell clinics your physical therapist Takoma Park, MD clients trust may have you frame it this way: both physical therapy and chiropractic care can be used jointly to give your body the strength and mobility that you are hoping for. You don’t have to just choose one or the other, because in fact, many patients benefit immensely from receiving both. But, if you have any concerns about either chiropractic care or physical therapy, we are more than happy to answer these questions for you.

It is completely normal and common to wonder what treatments out there can yield the results you are hoping for. At our clinic, we are dedicated to seeing that happen for you, and doing everything we can to support your health. Call us at AmeriWell Clinics to speak with a physical therapist Takoma Park, MD patients trust for more information.

Seeking treatment from a physical therapist Takoma Park, MD residents turn to can provide a variety of benefits. The practitioners at AmeriWell Clinics can provide you with not only experience but compassion when you are in search of physical therapy for rehabilitation and wellness. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain, improve functioning and aid in your recovery. At AmeriWell Clinics, we can treat a number of conditions, including:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Foot/Ankle Injuries
• Headaches
• Joint Replacement
• Knee Injuries
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Overuse Injuries
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• Running Injuries
• Shin Splints
• Shoulder Injuries
• Stress Fractures
• +More

The staff at AmeriWell Clinics are prepared to help by providing you with a treatment plan specific to your needs. The following, are reasons that accessing our physical therapist Takoma Park, MD residents recommend may benefit you:

Manage Pain

A physical therapist can provide you with exercise, stretches, and treatments that can help you to manage pain that you may have. Whether the pain you are experiencing is from a degenerative disease, an injury, or for some other reason, physical therapy may be the solution to better pain management. By improving joint function and building muscles, you can strengthen your body to eliminate pain.

Less Invasive Than Surgery

Our physical therapist Takoma Park, MD families trusts will tell you that facing the prospect of surgery can be a bit scary. The idea of going under the knife and being put under anesthesia can be incredibly invasive. Not only might a person who undergoes surgery experience extensive down time, there is not often a guarantee that a person will be fully healed from whatever ailment they are suffering from. Before surgery, it may be recommended that you try treatment from a physical therapist Takoma Park, MD community members depend on.

Rehabilitate After Surgery or Injury

If you have been injured or recently undergone surgery, physical therapy can help by rebuilding strength to the affected area, reduce pain and assist in regaining your strength and mobility. While there certainly may be a period of time where you will need to rest and recover following an injury or surgery, eventually, seeking physical therapy from AmeriWell Clinics will be an important next step.

Improve Athletic Performance

Being physically active is something that many people strive for. However, it’s important to be aware that there are a range of ways that a person can sustain an injury. You don’t have to be a professional athlete or beginner to physical fitness to sustain an injury. Seeing our physical therapist Takoma Park, MD residents count on can help to improve athletic performance by helping people to learn ways to work out and engage their body properly when they are physically active.

How To Maximize the Benefits of Your Physical Therapy Appointments

Since a physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD, offers specialized services, many people don’t make appointments with such a professional unless they go through an event such as a car accident that limits the range of motion they once had. Alternatively, some people with certain conditions attend regular physical therapy appointments, especially if they experience muscle rigidity, weakness or pain.

In any case, you can do several things to get the most out of each physical therapy appointment.

1. Be Honest With Your Physical Therapist

The therapists working at AmeriWell facilities want to ensure each session is best targeted to an individual’s needs. That’s why you should be upfront and thorough about any concerns, changes or issues that relate to why you’re seeing a physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD.

For example, maybe you initially developed neck stiffness after a car accident. However, since then, you might realize that the issue is worse after you sit at your desk all day. In that case, your therapist might give you exercises or suggestions to keep your neck moving as it should during your workday.

2. Recognize Your Role in Getting Results

Your doctor or another person overseeing your care will likely recommend going to physical therapy on a set schedule, such as once a week. However, no matter how frequent your appointments are, they alone are not sufficient for getting the outcomes you need and want.

You must also take a proactive approach, whether the goal is to return to the mobility you once had, maintain the progression of an illness or achieve some other aim. When your physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD, gives you recommendations or exercises, ask for as many specifics as you need to ensure you follow their advice correctly.

3. Keep Track of Progress

Sticking to a physical therapy routine can sometimes be challenging. When you’ve already had a long day and dealt with numerous demands on your time, it may become difficult to motivate yourself to do any at-home recommendations your physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD, provided.

However, it’ll likely be much easier to stay on track if you start a journal and fill it with positive things you notice throughout the time you go to appointments. Besides keeping you upbeat and giving you valuable perspective, your notes will also help your AmeriWell therapy professional understand what’s working well for you and what may need tweaking.

Whether you’re going to physical therapy for the first time or have been attending appointments for a while, consider applying these tips. They’ll create the foundation that can give worthwhile outcomes.

3 Tips for Finding the Right Physical Therapist

Physical therapy offers many beneficial treatments. PT is often essential for those who have suffered an injury. After being in an accident, you may need many medical treatments, and physical therapy can be a significant part of a treatment plan. To find the right physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD, consider these three tips.

1. Consider Your Specific Needs

Your therapy regimen will vary depending on the type and extent of your injuries. For example, sports injuries will require different treatment than car accident injuries. You need a physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD, who will help you develop a personalized plan for your situation.

When meeting your therapist at AmeriWell for the first time, ask if he or she has experience treating your type of injury. The two of you should discuss your treatment goals and the expected outcomes. This way, you can get the most benefit from your physical therapy sessions.

2. Foster Good Communication

During your physical therapy appointments, you and your therapist need good communication. Find someone with whom you can work well. This way, you can look forward to making the most of every physical therapy session.

Your time with your physical therapist is limited, so you need to communicate effectively about your progress. You will be required to do some therapy on your own at home, and you must be honest with your therapist about your compliance.

Your therapist also needs to understand your unique situation and injury. Be sure that you choose a provider willing to listen to you. This way, the two of you can make a treatment plan that is most beneficial to you.

3. Ask for a Referral

If a physician is referring you for physical therapy, ask for help finding the right practitioner. Your physician likely has experience with a team of physical therapists, such as those at an AmeriWell clinic. With a doctor’s referral, you may be able to secure an appointment sooner.

Some clinics do not require you to have a physician’s referral. In this case, you can ask friends, family members, or co-workers for recommendations. It is helpful to find a therapist who has specific experience with the treatment you need. Browse practitioners’ websites to determine if they treat your type of injury.

With these tips in mind, you can find the right physical therapist for your needs. This way, you can maximize the benefits of your physical therapy treatments.

Is Physical Therapy the Same as Occupational Therapy?

Many people believe physical therapy and occupational therapy is the same. This also leads to confusion about the role that an occupational therapist has during a person’s healing and recovery time. Some people feel unsure about having an occupational therapist and a physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD at the same time. What is important to understand is that both specialists offer critical assistance in helping a patient to recover. They are not the same kind of specialist, and it is perfectly normal to be recommended both physical and occupational therapy.

The Primary Difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Physical therapy and occupational therapy have many similarities, but they are not the same. The most notable difference between the two are as follows:

An occupational therapist’s primary goal is to assist the patient in daily activities. Through therapeutic exercises, this therapist aims to encourage the patient to be able to regain the ability to perform daily tasks.

A physical therapist’s primary goal is to improve a patient’s range of motion. This is made possible through specific exercises, movements, and guidance.

What an Occupational Therapist Does

An occupational therapist works on the client’s needs. He or she does not treat or focus on the patient’s symptoms. For example, if a patient suffered head trauma in a car accident, and is now experiencing cognitive impairment or motor skills challenges, an occupational therapist might be recommended.

The approach an occupational therapist takes is holistic. For instance, the therapist might assess the patient’s life and how it has been impacted by the injury (or illness). He or she might also review the patient’s home and work environment, daily tasks, upcoming surgical procedures or treatment, as well as any physical rehabilitation they are in. Through this, a plan can be developed based on the patient’s needs and goals.

What a Physical Therapist Does

A physical therapist treats a patients’ physical injuries or conditions that have resulted from an accident or illness. A physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD will incorporate special exercises or stretching routines into a session with the intention of increasing the range of motion, improving mobiliting, aligning the body, and reducing pain or inflammation. Through manipulation, massage, and structured exercises, a client can improve their total wellbeing.

Physical therapy is often one of the most effective treatment options to alleviate chronic or acute pain. These sessions may be recommended on a weekly basis for several months – depending on the issue and it’s severity.

Does Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Overlap?

Though both therapies are different, there are times in which the treatment can overlap. These include:

• Both therapists may show the patient how to prevent further injuries
• Both therapists teach patients about the body and how it can heal itself
• Patients may be taught how to perform day to day activities and live as independently as possible

Physical and occupational therapists tend to treat patients in conjunction with treatments they are receiving from other doctors. This means there is often coordination and communication with general practitioners, surgeons, and specialists. Both therapists will not treat a client in a way that contradicts other treatments going on. If you have any questions, you can ask your doctor, occupational therapist, or physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD.

Common Myths About Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is Only Useful for Accidents and Injuries

There’s so much more to physical therapy than strengthening weak muscles after an accident or injury. Your Ameriwell physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD, can also help with things such as chronic pain management, headaches, low back pain, musculoskeletal conditions, frozen shoulder and carpal tunnel syndrome.

I Can Do Physical Therapy Myself

While your participation in physical therapy is crucial to your recovery, you still need the guidance of a physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD. Your physical therapist will assess your condition, develop a plan to treat it and implement it with modalities you can’t do yourself, such as massage, electrical stimulation and mobilization. You may qualify for in-home physical therapy if your condition is such that you can’t leave your home, but you still need the help of a qualified physical therapist.

All Physical Therapists Are Alike

All physical therapists are completely different. One may have more training in dry needling than another. One might have done a research study on her knee pain patients while another could be studying badly sprained ankles. Physical therapists come in all shapes, sizes, genders, races and therapeutic backgrounds. To put it another way, if you’ve been treated by one physical therapist, you know one way to do physical therapy.

Physical Therapy Is Painful

You may have some discomfort at the beginning of your physical therapy journey, but it’s the goal of your physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD, to get you out of pain as quickly as is safe. Your physical therapist will work with your pain levels and modify her treatment plan accordingly.

Physical Therapists Fix Broken People

Physical therapists don’t fix anything. They facilitate healing, the majority of which will be on your shoulders with your at-home exercises. It’s a team effort that requires your active participation. You’ll have homework to do every day between visits to your physical therapist’s office.

Once You’re Discharged, You’re All Done

Once you’re discharged, you’re all done working with your Ameriwell physical therapist in Takoma Park, MD. However, she may give you a list of exercises to keep doing to finish healing your injury. For example, a patient with mobility issues may be given exercises such as standing up for five minutes, three or four times a day; standing up and sitting down 15 times; marching in place for five minutes; side steps for five minutes; or backward steps for five minutes.

Have you been experiencing pain? Or, were you recently injured? AmeriWell Clinics can help you on the path to healing and wellness, so schedule your first appointment with a physical therapist Takoma, MD residents are reliant upon today!