Orthopedic Physical Therapy In South Dakota

Many patients in orthopedic physical therapy are rehabilitating shoulder conditions. As the most flexible joint in the body, it is often prone to injury. While physicians may recommend non-surgical treatment, it is not always wise to delay shoulder repair. In some cases, avoiding surgery may increase a patient's chances of recovery difficulty, later.

Shoulder issues can be related to preexisting anatomical conditions, sports-related injuries, falls, heavy lifting and overuse. "...Common injuries include dislocation, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, bursitis, impingement, rotator cuff tear and fractured humerus, and they vary in their severity and rehab length." Pain that radiates down the arm or into the neck may be nerve-related. This type of pain could be caused by gallbladder, liver or heart disease, or even spinal disc disorders.

While shoulder treatment depends upon the condition and the individual circumstances, some physicians may recommend that patients treat acute pain by icing at regular intervals, resting the joint to decrease inflammation, stretching muscles around the joint, and undergoing physical therapy to increase strength and flexibility. In some cases, steroidal injections may be recommended to treat regional inflammation.

Those with joint injuries or acute joint pain should consult with a physician or orthopedic clinic to determine whether surgical intervention or therapy is needed.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy in North and South Dakota

Those in the Midwest will find that the Orthopedic Center for the Dakotas has over one dozen outreach clinics serving a 90-mile radius. Patients can receive non-surgical intervention, surgery and physical therapy services when they contact the Center's specialists.