Physical Therapy Specialist

How does physical therapy help with pain and injury?

The focus of physical therapy is to strengthen, stabilize, or restore joints and muscles to their maximum range of motion, so everyday activities are easier and pain is minimal or gone completely. The team at Arbor Vitae Wellness Center partners with you to achieve your physical therapy goals and reduce painful symptoms as a result of a chronic condition or injury. These skilled Chiropractors, Naturopathic doctors, Acupuncturists, and massage therapists work with you to educate you on the benefits of physical exercises like stretching, walking, or core strengthening movements, depending on what you need to recover.

The team creates an individualized treatment plan based on your health conditions, such as arthritis, your physical abilities, and your overall goals for recovery. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a tailored, compassionate approach based on medical evidence and techniques. Initially, your exercises are based on your ability to move at the time you seek treatment, but they may get more advanced as you get stronger and become more mobile.

Physical therapy treatments can help with recovery and rehabilitation after certain surgeries as well. Whether your pain is the result of an accident, sports injury, repetitive use, or a chronic condition, physical therapy can help improve your overall quality of life.

Does physical therapy take the place of pain medications?

Instead of prescribing medications that simply suppress your pain or make you feel numb, your provider offers you the option of all-natural pain relief through hands-on, physical therapeutic methods. Your Naturopathic doctor at Arbor Vitae Wellness Center may also recommend natural supplements that promote pain relief or reduce inflammation if you want to avoid taking over-the-counter drugs or potentially addictive prescription pain-relievers. A combination of physical therapy and natural supplements is an effective, proven alternative to pain medication dependency.

Based on your individual health condition, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following therapies:

• Physical exercises to build strength and increase range of motion
• Therapeutic massage to relax muscles and increase circulation to the injured area
• Acupuncture to balance energy and promote healing
• Gentle, hands-on Chiropractic adjustments

How successful is physical therapy?

Successful physical therapy treatments depend in part upon your willingness to work toward your goals. The team places emphasis on patient education and participation in your own recovery from an illness or injury, and your overall physical, spiritual, and mental health. Over time, as your body readjusts and stabilizes to a healthier state, you feel a noticeable improvement in the frequency and intensity of your pain symptoms.

Call the Santa Monica office or schedule an appointment online.