Physical Therapy

Our specialists work closely with physicians to diagnose and treat the illness or injury causing pain or limiting mobility. Physical therapists and physicians collaborate to determine the best course of treatment and evaluate progress throughout the rehabilitation process, making adjustments to treatment plans as needed. Physical therapists also coordinate with occupational and speech therapists when necessary to provide comprehensive care for every need.

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 comprehensive assessment, including a detailed medical history. Working in collaboration with physicians, physical therapists develop personalized treatment plans that may consist of a variety of techniques. Treatments we offer include:

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

• Dry needling. This practice involves inserting thin needles into trigger points 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 optimize their workspace to prevent pain and musculoskeletal injury.

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

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

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

• Sports rehabilitation. Physical therapists use various techniques to help patients who have sustained sports injuries heal and return to sports and other activities.

• Traction. To do this technique, 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 work with you to educate you about your condition and teach you ways to continue therapy at home and prevent future injury. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist might teach you the following:

• Injury prevention tips

• Strengthening exercises to build muscles as well as improve balance and coordination

• Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stress on joints

• Ways to manage pain

Ochsner physical therapy has locations conveniently available in Louisiana and Mississippi. Find a location near you.