Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a golf performance therapy evaluation include?

    Movement assessments analyze swing mechanics, hip rotation, thoracic mobility, and shoulder flexibility specific to your golf game. Therapists identify physical limitations affecting clubhead speed, follow-through, and consistency. This evaluation creates a personalized exercise program targeting mobility restrictions and strength imbalances that limit performance or cause pain.
  • When should you start physical therapy after joint replacement surgery?

    Rehabilitation typically begins as soon as your surgeon recommends it, often within days after hip or knee replacement. Early mobility work prevents stiffness, reduces swelling, and establishes safe movement patterns. Delayed therapy can lead to compensatory movement habits that limit long-term function and independence.
  • How does dry needling differ from regular physical therapy treatment?

    Dry needling targets muscle trigger points causing pain and restricting movement, while standard therapy focuses on exercise and manual techniques. Needling is integrated with corrective exercise and hands-on treatment, not used alone. It complements orthopedic rehabilitation when muscular dysfunction limits progress through conventional methods.
  • What causes sciatica symptoms to develop?

    Nerve irritation from disc bulges, spinal stenosis, or muscle tightness in the hip creates radiating leg pain, numbness, or tingling. Prolonged sitting, poor lifting mechanics, and core weakness contribute to conditions that compress or irritate the sciatic nerve. Movement-based rehabilitation addresses flexibility, strength, and movement patterns to reduce recurrence.
  • Why does manual therapy get combined with exercise during treatment?

    Hands-on joint mobilization and soft tissue work restore immediate mobility, but corrective exercise maintains those gains and prevents regression. Manual techniques reduce pain and improve range temporarily, while strengthening and movement retraining create lasting functional improvement. One without the other produces incomplete rehabilitation outcomes.
  • What's the difference between sports rehabilitation and orthopedic physical therapy?

    Sports rehab focuses on returning athletes to training and competition with injury prevention strategies and performance movement assessments. Orthopedic therapy treats muscle, joint, tendon, and ligament injuries in any patient, not just athletes. Sports programs emphasize sport-specific progression, balance training, and activity demands beyond general daily function.
  • How does pre-surgical physical therapy improve recovery outcomes?

    Strengthening muscles and improving range of motion before orthopedic surgery reduces post-operative pain and shortens recovery periods. Patients enter surgery with better conditioning, understanding of post-op exercises, and realistic movement expectations. This preparation creates a smoother transition into post-surgical rehabilitation with fewer complications.
  • What golf injuries does physical therapy address most often?

    Low back pain from rotation stress, shoulder impingement from repetitive overhead motion, hip mobility restrictions, and elbow tendinitis are common. Golf's repetitive twisting motion exposes movement limitations that cause compensatory strain. Therapy improves swing mechanics through targeted mobility work and strengthening of stabilizing muscles around vulnerable joints.
  • When should you see a physical therapist for back pain instead of waiting?

    Seek evaluation when pain lasts beyond a few days, limits daily activities, radiates into legs, or worsens despite rest. Early treatment prevents compensatory movement patterns that prolong recovery and reduce recurrence risk. Symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, or basic movement benefit from immediate assessment rather than delayed care.
  • What does one-on-one care mean during physical therapy sessions?

    Each appointment involves direct treatment from your physical therapist without splitting time between multiple patients simultaneously. This allows real-time movement analysis, hands-on technique application, and exercise modification based on your response. Individualized attention ensures treatment progresses according to your specific healing rate and functional goals.
  • How does LightForce laser therapy support soft tissue recovery?

    Light energy penetrates tissue to reduce inflammation and promote cellular healing processes in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Treatment is non-invasive, comfortable, and used alongside exercise and manual therapy within comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Laser therapy may accelerate tissue repair when integrated with movement-based treatment, not as a standalone solution.
  • What movement limitations affect spine and neck function?

    Thoracic stiffness, forward head posture, scapular weakness, and reduced rotation create compensatory strain on cervical and lumbar structures. These restrictions alter how your spine distributes load during daily activities. Therapy addresses contributing factors through targeted mobility work, posture education, and strengthening rather than treating pain alone.