Does Every Knee Injury Need Physical Therapy?

Orthopedic Knee Doctor

Orthopedic Knee Doctor

Physical therapy can help with a wide range of injuries and conditions, but is it always necessary? Many people will ask themselves this question after an injury. There are two answers: the long answer and the short answer.

Short Answer

Whether or not you need physical therapy after a knee injury depends on several factors, but the most influential factor is the severity of your knee injury as an orthopedic knee doctor like an orthopedic knee doctor from a local center such as Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain. The more damage you sustain, especially to vulnerable areas, the more likely it is that physical therapy will be a vital component to regaining your health and full mobility.

Long Answer

Our bodies are both incredibly resilient and surprisingly delicate. This is especially true of complex joints, nerves, and tendons. If you sustain damage to your shoulder, for example, many different structures can be impacted. Nerves, tendons, muscles, cartilage, and the bones of the joint itself can all be affected. The complexity of an injury means that there is a similar complexity to a successful recovery.

An orthopedic knee doctor is knowledgeable in a wide range of injury types and the potential intricacies of each. They can assess your condition, formulate a therapy plan, and walk you through the process. They can also adjust the approach or pace of your therapy if or when your needs change. This process helps give you the support needed to navigate your recovery and get back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Many of the knee injuries we receive from jobs, sports, or work around the house are minor and will clear up on their own with time and a little extra care. Basic first aid and common sense are enough to see you through these. However, it’s important to seek professional treatment for anything that has the potential to inhibit your comfort and function over the long term. This could be something that initially seems minor, such as the twinge in your back after lifting a heavy box. Or it could be something you consider an inconvenience until the pain doesn’t fade, like a sprained ankle.

You don’t have to decide if physical therapy is the best approach for your situation on your own. Your orthopedic knee doctor can discuss options and recommendations with you, and you can seek the advice of a physical therapist as well. A qualified orthopedic knee doctor can discuss your situation and their suggestions in detail, and then you can make an educated decision about your care and recovery. Contact one today.