I am ignorant. Until recently, I had thought that physical therapy just involved stretching muscles and administering massages. I was wrong. The world of physical therapy is much grander than my limited perceived perception. There are many truly interesting physical therapy methods applied today to help people with injuries.
My good friend was recently rear ended in a fender bender car accident and was recommended by his doctor to seek massage therapy. I volunteered to accompany him to the clinic. It is at the clinic where I became enlightened to the world of physical therapy. The doctor sat down with my friend and me and reviewed the treatments they had available. For those who are thinking about doing physical therapy to recover from a car accident or other injury, here are several different methods that physical therapists can administer on treating your injuries.
Kinesio Tapping® Method
This method involves tapping over the muscle and surrounding area. The tapping technique provides two benefits to the healing person. The first benefit is that the tapping helps lymph nodes to destroy harmful bacteria from muscles and tissues. This method also prevents over contraction of the muscles.
Trigger Point Injections
When a person is experiencing isolated muscle cramps or knots in back, neck or shoulders, injections of an anesthetic may be used. Anesthetic injected into muscle knots, can alleviate pain immediately. This type of treatment is good for people who are suffering from chronic myofascial pain.
Ultrasounds
If you are like me, I only had heard of ultrasounds being used for pregnant women and finding whales. I had no idea how affect ultrasounds are for treating muscle pain. Physical therapists use ultrasound machines to transmit sound waves to tissues and muscles. The sound waves help warm the deep tissues and muscles, relaxing the muscles and increasing blood circulation to the area. When the muscle is relaxed it no longer will spasm or cause pain. Also the increase in blood circulation promotes healing because the blood supply brings nutrients and protein to the muscle and surrounding tissue.
Hot and Cold Packs
Hot and cold packs are also used to treat neck, back, and shoulder pain. The heat from hot packs helps relax tighten muscles alleviate muscle knots. It also increases blood circulation. Cold packs are used to reduce swelling and inflammation of the affected area.
The treatments used in physical therapy are advanced and well received by patients. If you are suffering from whiplash or other muscle related injury, I would highly recommend seeking the help of a physical therapist