Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy: The Key to Full Recovery After Surgery

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we believe that Physical Therapy is an essential part of recovering from surgery or managing orthopedic conditions. Whether you are recovering from joint replacement, reconstructive surgery, or injury, physical therapy plays a critical role in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and helping you get back to your daily life. Dr. Burke and his team of licensed physical therapists are committed to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.

  • Essential for Recovery
  • Personalized Treatment Plans
  • Expert Care You Can Trust

Why Choose Dr. Burke for Physical Therapy?

  • Individualized Treatment Plans

    Every patient is different, and so is their recovery journey. Dr. Burke works closely with his team of experienced physical therapists to develop personalized treatment plans that address your unique condition, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition, your physical therapy program will be designed to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

  • Expert Guidance and Advanced Techniques

    At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we use the latest physical therapy techniques and tools to help you recover faster. Our team is skilled in a variety of rehabilitation approaches, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and state-of-the-art modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation. These techniques help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and promote healing.

  • Comprehensive Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

    Physical therapy is especially important after orthopedic surgeries like joint replacements, arthroscopic procedures, and reconstructive surgeries. Dr. Burke’s team will guide you through every step of your post-surgical rehabilitation, ensuring that you make steady progress and achieve long-term success. We focus on restoring strength and mobility while preventing re-injury, helping you return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.

  • Collaboration with Dr. Burke for Seamless Care

    Our physical therapy team works closely with Dr. Burke to ensure seamless care throughout your recovery process. Regular communication between your surgeon and physical therapist ensures that your rehabilitation program is perfectly aligned with your surgical outcomes and long-term health goals.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, hands-on treatment approach that focuses on restoring movement, strength, and function in individuals recovering from injury, surgery, or dealing with chronic conditions. It involves targeted exercises, manual techniques, and other modalities that help patients regain their range of motion, reduce pain, and improve overall physical performance.

Common orthopedic conditions treated with physical therapy include:

  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Joint replacements, arthroscopy, reconstructive surgery.
  • Injury Rehabilitation: Sports injuries, fractures, sprains, and strains.
  • Chronic Conditions: Arthritis, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Am I a Candidate for Physical Therapy?

You may be a candidate for physical therapy if you:

  • Have recently undergone orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacement, reconstructive surgery, or arthroscopy.
  • Are experiencing pain, stiffness, or limited mobility due to a musculoskeletal injury.
  • Have a chronic orthopedic condition, such as osteoarthritis, that is affecting your daily activities.
  • Are looking to avoid surgery through non-invasive treatments and exercises.

Dr. Burke will evaluate your condition and collaborate with our physical therapy team to determine if physical therapy is the right option for your recovery.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

The Physical Therapy Process: What to Expect

  • Step 1: Initial Evaluation

    Your physical therapy journey begins with a thorough evaluation by one of our licensed therapists. This includes an assessment of your joint mobility, strength, flexibility, and any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. Your therapist will then design a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and recovery goals.

  • Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan

    Based on your initial evaluation, your therapist will create a customized plan that includes exercises and treatments designed to improve your strength, flexibility, and mobility. Common components of a physical therapy plan include:

    • Therapeutic Exercises: These exercises are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area.
    • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation, help reduce pain and improve mobility.
    • Modalities: Techniques like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold therapy may be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

  • Step 3: Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment

    As you progress through your physical therapy program, your therapist will closely monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. The goal is to ensure steady improvement and prevent setbacks while keeping you motivated and on track to achieving your recovery goals.

  • Step 4: Return to Daily Activities

    The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to help you return to your normal activities, whether it’s walking, exercising, working, or engaging in sports. Dr. Burke and his physical therapy team will ensure that you regain the strength and confidence you need to resume your daily life without pain or limitations.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

  • Accelerated Recovery: Physical therapy helps speed up the recovery process after surgery or injury by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and restoring strength.
  • Pain Relief: Therapeutic exercises and manual techniques help relieve pain caused by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions, often reducing the need for pain medications.
  • Injury Prevention: Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around your joints, improving stability and reducing the risk of future injuries.
  • Improved Mobility and Function: Regular physical therapy sessions improve range of motion, flexibility, and overall joint function, allowing you to return to daily activities sooner.

Risks and Potential Complications

While physical therapy is generally safe, some patients may experience minor discomfort or fatigue after certain exercises or treatments. Your physical therapist will work closely with you to ensure that your treatment plan is both effective and comfortable, adjusting exercises as needed to avoid any unnecessary discomfort. Any concerns or issues that arise during therapy will be communicated to Dr. Burke to ensure the best possible outcomes.

  • Associates Insurance
  • Pina & Insurance

What to Expect After Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a gradual process that requires dedication and consistency. Here's a typical timeline for recovery:

  • Weeks 1-4: You may start to notice improvements in your mobility and pain levels after just a few sessions. Initial exercises will focus on regaining range of motion and reducing inflammation.
  • Weeks 4-8: Strength and flexibility exercises will be introduced to help you regain function in the affected area. Patients typically see significant improvement in their ability to perform daily tasks by this time.
  • Weeks 8-12: By the end of your program, you should be well on your way to achieving your recovery goals, with improved strength, mobility, and confidence in your joint function.

Your therapist will continue to adjust your treatment plan based on your progress and will ensure that you are fully prepared to return to your normal activities.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

Physical Therapy vs. Surgery

For some patients, physical therapy alone can provide sufficient relief from pain and restore joint function, eliminating the need for surgery. In cases of mild to moderate joint damage or non-invasive injuries, physical therapy can help manage symptoms and improve mobility without the need for surgical intervention. However, for those with severe joint damage or chronic conditions, physical therapy is often a key component of post-surgical rehabilitation, ensuring that the surgical outcomes are maximized, and long-term recovery is successful.

  • Non-Surgical Relief:
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Same-Day Appointments & Diagnostics Available

If you’re recovering from surgery or struggling with joint pain, physical therapy may be the solution you need. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer same-day appointments and diagnostics to get you started on your recovery journey right away. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced physical therapy team.