Physical Therapy

Our physical therapists are highly experienced in treating pain and mobility issues related to a wide range of injuries, diseases and conditions in the following areas:

• Neurological health

• Orthopedics

• Pelvic health

• Sports medicine

Conditions we treat include:

• Arthritis

• Automobile injuries

• Back and spinal conditions

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Cerebral palsy

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Falls

• Fibromyalgia

• Fractures

• Hand trauma

• Incontinence

• Joint injuries

• Leg muscle injuries

• Lupus

• Muscle injuries (sprains and strains)

• Neurological disorders

• Orthopedic injuries

• Overuse injuries

• Pelvic floor disorders

• Plantar fasciitis

• Poor balance

• Pre- and post-surgical conditions

• Pregnancy issues

• Repetitive stress injuries

• Shoulder pain and injuries

• Sports injuries

• Work-related injuries

Before physical therapy begins, every patient receives a physical assessment, including a detailed medical history. Working with physicians, physical therapists develop personalized treatment plans that may consist of a variety of techniques, including:

• Aquatic physical therapy: Exercises performed in water can reduce stress on joints, relieve pain and support blood flow and circulation.

• Dry needling: This practice involves inserting thin needles in muscles, ligaments, tendons or scar tissue to reduce pain and improve function.

• Electrical stimulation: Electrodes on the skin deliver electrical currents that can block pain, strengthen muscles and improve blood flow.

• Ergonomic training: Therapists can help patients learn how to improve their workspace, like with a standing desk or supportive chair, to prevent pain and injury.

• Functional training: Functional exercises help patients improve their ability to perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, getting dressed and climbing stairs.

• Heat or cold therapy: Depending on the injury causing pain, using heat or ice can help decrease pain and inflammation.

• Manual therapy: Massage and other manual therapy techniques can be used with exercise to improve range of motion.

• Sports rehabilitation: Physical therapists use various techniques to help patients who have had a sports injury heal and return to sports and other activities.

• Traction: The physical therapist applies a stretching force to vertebrae using weights, body weight or pulleys to relieve back and leg pain.

• Ultrasound: Therapeutic ultrasounds apply deep heating to soft tissues.

In addition, physical therapists will educate you about your condition and teach you ways to continue therapy at home and prevent future injury, such as:

• Injury prevention tips

• Strengthening exercises to build muscle, as well as improve balance and coordination

• Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stress on joints

• Ways to manage pain

During your first physical therapy appointment, your physical therapist will talk through your medical history with you and give you an assessment, which may require doing light exercises or movements. From there, you and your therapist will set a goal and develop a care plan to help you reach it. You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow for free movement.

At Ochsner, we treat you as an individual with specific care needs. We develop a custom plan of care for each person based on their health goals, so the length of time you'll come to therapy can vary. Your therapist will coordinate with your care team to ensure you're getting the care you need to reach your goals.

No, physical therapy should not hurt. If you are visiting a physical therapist for pain, you may experience some discomfort, but your therapist will help you learn to move in ways that minimize your pain.

As part of your rehabilitation plan, your therapist may recommend practicing some skills and exercises from therapy at home. Doing your homework between visits can help your recover faster.