Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help you regain your mobility and independence after an accident, injury, or illness. At Kentucky Joint Specialists, located in Louisville, Kentucky, knee and shoulder expert Jennifer Blackburn, APRN, FNP-C, and the team use physical therapy to treat various musculoskeletal issues with an emphasis on knee and shoulder pain. Call Kentucky Joint Specialists today to request a physical therapy consultation or make your appointment online.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy uses stretches, strengthening exercises, and hands-on manipulation to encourage your body’s healing process. It’s a safe and effective alternative to prescription pain medication and more invasive procedures, like surgery.

At Kentucky Joint Specialists, the team uses physical therapy to manage various musculoskeletal conditions, but they specialize in treating knee and shoulder pain, specifically. Physical therapy can restore your range of motion and help you return to your favorite activities. 

What conditions can benefit from physical therapy?

The Kentucky Joint Specialists team uses physical therapy to treat various musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Knee pain
• Shoulder pain
• Arthritis
• Back and neck pain
• Rotator cuff tears
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sports injuries
• Work injuries
• Sprains
• Dislocated joints
• Concussions

If you’re involved in a car accident, physical therapy can relieve the symptoms of whiplash or muscle strains.

What does physical therapy involve?

Before recommending physical therapy, your Kentucky Joint Specialists provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it affects your ability to move, and what it feels like.

Next, they administer a series of tests. Your provider checks your ability to bend, reach, and grasp and assesses your posture and gait. Then, they evaluate your muscle strength and flexibility.

Your Kentucky Joint Specialists provider uses the information gathered from these tests to develop a personalized treatment plan. Your plan includes specific goals and lays out a blueprint to help you achieve them.

Depending on your needs, that treatment plan may include:

• Exercises or stretches guided by a therapist
• Using mobility devices, like crutches or a walker
• Massage therapy
• Hot and cold therapy
• Ultrasound to ease muscle spasms
• Joint injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) 

At each visit, your Kentucky Joint Specialists provider watches your progress and adjusts the treatment plan as necessary.

How long does physical therapy take?

The time that physical therapy takes depends on the severity of the injury treated. 

Most soft tissue injuries, like strains and sprains, improve within six-eight weeks*, but fractures and other more serious issues may take longer. To ensure a positive treatment outcome, attend each of your scheduled appointments and follow your provider’s instructions.

Call Kentucky Joint Specialists today to see if you can benefit from physical therapy, or make your appointment online.

 *Individual results may vary.