Dakota's Orthopedic Institute

People suffering from sports injuries, musculoskeletal disorders or post-operative pain can benefit from therapy provided by Aberdeen Physical Therapy. Therapists help patients set goals, institute treatment plans and meet their goals through healing modalities, therapeutic exercises and home rehab programs.

Role of Therapeutic Training

"...After treating injury or post-surgical pain symptoms, physiotherapists teach patients a range of exercises designed to increase strength, cardiovascular health, endurance and flexibility." Through the use of resistance bands, exercise balls, balance tools and weight training equipment, an individualized program is created and therapists help patients monitor resulting improvements in functionality and pain management. Often, patients are assigned a home exercise program to help them reach their goals faster and institute an overall fitness habit.

Physical Training Modalities

Physiotherapists use many modalities to manage pain, increase mobility and promote healing:

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)--mild electrical current used to block pain signals to the brain.
• Ultrasound--high- or low-frequency sound waves that penetrate deeply to increase circulation and decrease tissue irritation and swelling.
• Moist heat pack--15- to 30-minute treatment designed to relieve joint stiffness and pain.
• Ice therapy--ice packs or cryo-massage used to reduce swelling and decrease the speed of pain signals across the nerves.
• Traction--manual stretching that helps loosen and mobilize an injured joint or vertebra.

The Orthopedic Center of the Dakotas

Injured and post-operative patients in North and South Dakota can undergo physical therapy treatment at the Orthopedic Center of the Dakotas, which has over a dozen locations serving a 90-mile radius. Skilled physicians specialize in sports medicine, joint replacement and physical rehabilitation, providing patients with comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care programs.