Physical therapy (or physiotherapy), often abbreviated as PT, is primarily concerned with pain management and rehabilitation of impairments and disabilities.  Patients can include accident victims, or those with minor injuries such as a sprained ankle, or chronic conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.

Physical therapy at AlignRight Chiropractic in Dallas and Richardson, TX promotes the improvement of mobility, function, movement, and quality of life, as well as prevention or limitation of disabilities.  This is accomplished through examination, diagnosis, and remediation carried out by physical therapists (also known as physiotherapists).  In addition to physical intervention and management, physiotherapists also offer consultation and educational services to promote health and prevent disease or other injuries.

Therapy begins with a physiotherapist reviewing the patient's medical history, then performing a physical examination to test and measure their strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle endurance, motor functions.  The examination will vary with each patient and their specific condition.

Once the assessments are analyzed and a diagnosis has been established, the therapist and patient will discuss the patient's functional needs and goals, and the treatment strategy to best meet those needs.  The therapist will then develop a treatment plan and describe its purpose and anticipated outcome.

As the treatment advances, the therapist will document the patient's progress and periodically conduct a reexamination to track their improvement and possibly identify areas requiring more or less attention, and modify treatments when necessary.  The goal is to ensure that the patient is able to achieve and maintain the maximum mobility and functionality.

Physical therapy treatments can include:

• Personalized exercise programs designed to improve your strength, range of motion, and function
• Traction or deep-tissue massage
• Joint mobilization and manipulation to reduce pain and stiffness
• Hot packs and cold compression to relieve pain and reduce swelling
• Electrical stimulation, ultrasound or other modalities to speed up the healing process, and improve movement and function
• Airway clearance methods to assist people with breathing difficulties
• Skin and wound care
• Management of incontinence including pelvic floor re-education
• Functional activity and tolerance testing and training
• Work and occupational re-training and return to work planning
• Prescription and application of assistive, adaptive, supportive, and protective devices and equipment
• Environmental change that focuses on removing barriers to function and mobility

In order to give patients the best treatment, physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, and occupational therapists.  At AlignRight Chiropractic, our chiropractors ensure that you will get the best possible treatment that you can find in the DFW area, to include Dallas, Richardson, Plano, and Garland.  Call our Richardson (972-907-2800) or Dallas (214-821-2525) office to schedule an appointment.  New patients can get started right away by downloading and filling out our patient form.