Laser therapy is a type of treatment in which certain wavelengths of light are directed at bodily tissues to accelerate the healing process and reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. Physical therapists typically use cold laser therapy, also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT) or 830 laser therapy.
Light therapy is a treatment for depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, sleep disorders, and skin disorders. Patients are exposed to bright, artificial light via light boxes or specific lamps. Typically, light therapy devices are used first thing in the morning and are used for prescribed lengths of time.
Lower extremity rehabilitation is physical therapy for the treatment lower extremity injuries. These types of injuries include the hips, ankles, knees, feet, and toes—any part of the lower body from the hips and below. The rehabilitation aims to heal the injury as well as prevent any future injuries.
Swelling in the body can be treated in several different ways. Edema is a type of swelling that is the body’s response to inflammation or injury. Lymphedema is swelling due to lymph fluid collecting under the skin. Edema is typically treated with medication, and lymphedema is treated with manual therapies and continuous self-care.
A maintenance program is designed to maintain a patient’s current level of function, preventing regression. Once a patient’s goals have been achieved in physical therapy, he or she can continue to receive therapy for maintenance. This therapy might include an updated home exercise program, stretches, medical massage, or pool exercises.
Manual therapy—also referred to as bodywork—uses specific hands-on techniques (including manipulation, mobilization, and massage) to alleviate pain, increase joint mobilization, and reduce tension. Another positive benefit of manual therapy is increased flexibility. The treatment promotes relaxation and is often paired with other forms of physical therapy like exercise.
Massage therapy is a non-invasive hands-on technique used to promote overall wellness. The massage therapist (or other healthcare provider) will use his or her hands to manipulate muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue to relieve tension and improve blood circulation. Massage therapy is also linked to stress relief, mental awareness, and relaxation.
Developed in the late 1950’s by physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, the McKenzie Method (a.k.a. Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, or MDT) is an assessment process, and therapy and prevention treatment for musculoskeletal issues. This method assesses using repeated movements and requires active involvement from the patient during treatment.
Medical fitness is a type of fitness training in which individuals or groups participate in a medically guided exercise program. Such programs help people who have, or are at risk of developing, health conditions that affect their participation in fitness-related activities.
Also known as clinical massage or treatment massage, medical massage involves the application of a specific type of massage treatment with the goal of achieving a specific outcome related to a patient’s diagnosis. However, there is no single technique associated with medical massage.