Physical Therapy Specialist

Physical therapy is essential for optimal recovery and rehabilitation following injury, illness, or surgery, and invaluable as a treatment for chronic pain.

At Sahni Rheumatology & Therapy in West Long Branch, New Jersey, experienced physical therapist Alexandra Sahni, PT, DPT, provides expert physical therapy services for patients, using both active and passive approaches. To benefit from a personalized physical therapy program, call Sahni Rheumatology & Therapy today.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a broad term for a variety of treatments that use noninvasive techniques to help your body heal and build up strength and flexibility. Physical therapies form the basis of most musculoskeletal rehabilitation programs, delivering results safely and effectively for virtually all health conditions.

Physical therapy techniques are essential when treating neck, back, and joint pain and chronic disorders such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia.

What does physical therapy involve?

There are two main types of physical therapy. One is active, which means you do some or all of the work. Some of the many active physical therapy techniques you could benefit from include:

  • Therapeutic exercise

  • Resistance and endurance exercises

  • Stretching

  • Posture work

  • Balance and coordination exercises

The other type of physical therapy is passive, which means you get to relax while your therapist does the work. They might use massage techniques or myofascial release (trigger point therapy), apply Kinesio taping, or use technology like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

What are the benefits of physical therapy?

Physical therapy offers numerous benefits for patients, including:

  • Improved circulation

  • Accelerated healing

  • Reduction of swelling and inflammation

  • Increased range of motion

  • Reduced levels of pain

  • Less scar tissue

Physical therapy also helps to lower stress and improve your mood.

What happens if I don't receive physical therapy?

If you don't receive physical therapy, lack of activity leads to the deterioration of your tissues. That includes the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles supporting the damaged or diseased area, in addition to the site of the injury.

Pain can make you reluctant to move, which is understandable, and in many instances, keeping an injured body part immobilized is a good thing to begin with. However, if you don't start moving at the right time, it can have an adverse effect on the healing process.

The damaged tissues don't receive the oxygen and nutrients they need for optimal healing without physical activity that gets your blood pumping. Unless you keep them moving, connective tissues can also shorten, adding to your disability.

Participating in a personalized physical therapy program at Sahni Rheumatology & Therapy prevents these problems without causing further damage. Call today to find out more or book an appointment.