Physical Therapy?

Question

I'm taking a few weeks off of karate (doc's orders), because I seem to have injured some muscles in my lower back. The doctor says I'll be doing therapy for it, and he was saying things like "therapeutic exercise" and "flexibility program". What does that entail? Will I have just one person working with me, or will I be in a class? What sort of things will I have to do? Anybody out there ever had to do physical therapy?

Answer 1

http://www.ask.com/web?q=therapeutic+exercise%22+and+%22flexibility+program%22.+&search=&qsrc=0&o=0&l=dir

Answer 2

There are some very good answers so the only thing I can add is that since you have injured your back to the degree you have you will probably always have to do some of the exercises prior to working out while doing martial arts. I have had several students that fall into this category over the years and most future problems can be avoided continuing to do some of the exercises that they will give you and taking a little extra time to warm and loosen that area up prior to working out. Also putting a little muscle rub on that spot before hand will help this also. If you don't do your exercises your back will certainly let you know it and each time you injure it in the future it will probably be a little worse for you down the road when you get older.

Answer 3

I have done a ton of it unfortunately in my former career fighting.

Usually it is just one person working with you on specific exercises and stretches to work on the injured areas and then they will want you to do them at home as well.

If you tell them you are in Karate them MAY say it is OK to go just for stretching and minor things, depending how bad your injury is. Many Dr's do not know much about Karate and do not know that much of the stretching we do is very close or the same as what you do in Physical Therapy unless they use an Electric Tens(sp?) machine or heating and ice pads.

Any ways, follow the Physical therapist's directions and talk to them about your Karate and what you could or could not do.

I almost always went to class still even if it was just to stretch and assist teaching.

Answer 4

There is considerable overlap in the two professions. As a generalization with many exceptions, physical therapy in children is directed at improving the function of large muscle groups in rehabilitation from strokes, fractures and accidents. Also in children with certain congenital neuromuscular abnormalities. Occupational therapy is generally directed to small muscle groups involved in the performance of certain tasks. Holding a pencil, picking up small objects with the fingers, opening a can, etc. are but a few examples. I can't speak to salaries. PT now requires a PhD.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, I have done a lot of PT for my back, shoulder, and knees. None of it really MA realted though, the injurues were outside of the dojo.

Find a good therapist, preferably one who works with athletes and if you are lucky understands MA. A good therapist will tailor a program to meet your needs and background.

I have had both group and individual therapy. Some therapists over the years wanted me to see me several times a week. Others prefered to see me less often and let me work on my own between. Group classes in back injury management and applicable exercises are common.

In general, expect to have some daily exercises and to see the therapist weekly (at least) for a while. The better you are at doing what the therapist tells you, the faster you will be back in the dojo training.

Answer 6

I recently completed very lengthy and intensive PT for my back. My diagnosis was a herniated disc. The first thing you need to know is whether you're problem is just muscular, or a disc problem. My therapist first diagnosed me with strained muscles, but as the problem worsened it was revealed that I had a disc bulging into my nerve column. If you have hip or leg pain associated with your problem, or if you get sharp pain while sitting upright with your chin on your chest and a leg extended, there's a good chance you've got a disc problem. Fortunately, about 90% of back problems are muscular. Either way, you'll get a set of exercises from your therapist that you'll do basically alone, but supervised at first to make sure you're doing them right. I was doing a lot of ab exercises from flat on my back, and some squats w/an exercise ball against the wall. Keeping your abs strong and your back flexible (yoga is 100% necessary for those with back injuries and has helped me immensely) are the keys to living with your problems. See a doc if you've got any suspicion of disc problems. Good luck!

Answer 7

The first session will be mostly a history taking session followed by a physical examination to assess your deficits of strength, flexibility, etc and to establish some goals. Based on that, your PT will design some type of treatment program for you...it may involve some type of exercise or treatment that the therapist does to you or education. The exercises will vary for everyone and is tailored to your needs. Therapy is usually at least partially one on one, but in many cases a therapist may be balancing a couple patients at the same time.

Answer 8

kit depends on where your goin ... i would think it would be 1 one 1