Musculoskeletal conditions

In addition to to the previously mentioned post traumatic and pοst surgery situations, there is a broad field of conditions that are related to physical therapy and these are acute or chronic diseases that are due to degeneration of tissues or repetitive trauma, like osteoarthritis of peripheral or vertebral joints, tendinopathies, degeneration of vertebral disc or meniscus.

Can osteoarthritis be treated with physical therapy?

Osteoarthritis is chronic degenerative disease that can not be healed by physical therapy, but definitely PT can help in reducing the symptoms and delay the progression. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, morning stifnes, limitations in movement and possible swelling, all of which may lead to major dysfunction in everyday living.

By introducing PT early enough, symptoms can be reduced significantly and detain the disease. Initially, certain types of modalities can be used in order to reduce pain. Subsequently (hereup), we can proceed in mobilization of the joints involved and finally in strengthening, wich is the objective so that the patient can be back to activity.

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathies are referred as situations that concern a big part of the population of different ages and also relate to degeneration and repetitive trauma. Tendons are the continuity of the muscles, through which these insert to the bones to produce movement. They consist of connective tissue, which is constructed (made) to sustain load. Normally they are quite resilient to every day loads.

 Very often though, for several reasons (disease, drugs, overuse) there may be a change in the tendon structure and this prohibits its maximum performance. Additionally, there might be a local inflammation causing pain and lack of movement. For example, common tendinopathies, are these of the supraspinatus tendon, the rotator cuff of the shoulder, or the achilles tendon in the lower leg. In general, any tendon might have a dysfunction. Depending on the severity and irritability of the symptoms the attending orthopedic could prescribe the treatment (rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, PRP). In any case, physical therapy is necessary, because through exercise and the appropriate load, the tendon strengthcan be improved.

Discopathy (disc disease)

Intervertebral disc is  a disc like structure between the vertebrae. Its function is to cushioning the loads and increase the mobility and stability of the spine. Degeneration of the disc may cause pressure on the surrounding tissues, nerve root or the spinal cord in more severe cases. The symptoms often include pain, muscle spasm and if there is a nerve involvement numbness or weakness. With physical therapy, initially we try to reduce the symptoms and restore movement. Special attention is given to proper posture in sitting, standing and working.

Meniscus

Menisci are C shaped structures, within the knee joint. They consist of tough cartilage and their main function is to absorb the shocks , as well as to bring together the femur and tibia , the long bones of the leg. In some cases, injury of the meniscus requires surgery in order to avoid other complications, but very often treatment could be conservative, with rest, ice, medication and physical therapy