Modern physical therapy

The modern practice of physical therapy was developed in London in 1896, believing hospital patients needed to be mobilized on a regular basis in order to maintain adequate muscle function and mobility. This special interest group grew rapidly and in 1920 the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy was formed in the Country of United Kingdom. Similar organizations were developed in other countries, including the USA.

Geriatric Physical Therapy

This type of physical therapy is geared toward people of older generations as well as toward people who have trouble with the aging process. Victims of osteoporosis often see a geriatric physical therapist as do senior citizens who undergo extensive surgery. Balance disorders and various forms of arthritis are also treated by these therapists. Usually, this type of therapy is handled on an outpatient basis, though it may also be provided by the hospital while patients are recovering from surgery.

Elbow Exercises

The bicep and tricep muscles are the large muscle groups that bend and straighten the elbow. The biceps are located on the front of the upper arm and the triceps are located on the back. As noted by the name, two muscles form the biceps while three muscles form the triceps.

Exercising these muscle groups not only increases arm strength, but also helps everyone, especially older adults, perform activities of daily living. Strong arms help to lift up and out of a chair as well as pull on shoes and other clothing items.

Stretching

Stretching is vital to maintain good range of motion around a joint. If a patient has stiff joints, normal activities such as opening a jar or climbing stairs can be severely affected. By proper stretching, these functions can be preserved. After an injury or surgery, scar tissue forms, and soft-tissue contracts; this is when stretching is most important.

Ice and Heat Therapy

Ice and heat are useful to warm up and cool off muscles. In addition, these modalities can stimulate blood flow and decrease swelling. These can be important aspects of the therapeutic process.

Muscle Energy Techniques

A gentle, non-forceful technique in which the patients muscles are actively used from a precise position in a specific direction against a counter force. Techniques are used to mobilize joints, stretch tight muscles and fascia and improve local circulation.

How long therapy lasts depends on several factors:

Exercising at Home

Physical therapy isn't just about showing up at the clinic once a week to do your exercises or take your massages. Most therapists will prescribe exercises that need to be completed at home, and this will also effect how long physical therapy lasts. If you force yourself to set a time for exercises every day and if you continue to push yourself forward safely, you might complete therapy faster.

Rate of Healing

Everyone heals at different rates, so you can't possibly compare yourself to someone else, even if that person has sustained the same injuries. Your rate of healing will have a large impact on how long physical therapy lasts because you won't be able to complete the program until you've mastered each stage.