Brody Flanagin, MD’s Physical Therapy plan
Brody Flanagin, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Dallas and Frisco, Texas. He specializes in the treatment of shoulder conditions and offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions. One of the important aspect of non-surgical treatment option is physical therapy which may be prescribed as the initial treatment for shoulder pain or it could be recommended post surgery. It incorporates shoulder exercises that help restore mobility, motion, flexibility, and strength to the shoulder joint. Contact Dr. Flanagin’s team for an appointment today!
Physical Therapy following a Shoulder Injury - Dallas TX
About Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process following shoulder surgery. It is also a treatment that is recommended for many injuries that do not require surgery. Physical therapy typically begins with one of our trained therapists who will help you incorporate certain movements and exercises to restore mobility, motion, flexibility, and strength to the shoulder joint. It is generally a slow, progressive process that consists of daily sessions, sometimes up to several per day, to keep the joint mobile. Serious shoulder injuries will require the help from one of our in-house therapists, but gradually, the therapy can be done at-home, following the specific instructions provided to you. Patients who avoid rehabbing their shoulder through physical therapy treatment may not have the outcome they desire. They may only partially recover from their injury and are also at risk for developing frozen shoulder and/or shoulder stiffness.
Dallas, TX orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Brody Flanagin, offers patients customized treatment plans that include physical therapy. Each plan is tailored for the patient, depending on his or her injury and rehabilitation needs.
When to Start Physical Therapy
In most cases, for shoulder injuries that do not require surgery, physical therapy can begin quickly once the diagnosis has been made. This is if the shoulder does not need to be immobilized first and kept protected in a sling, which is the case for some injuries such as a shoulder fracture. If the shoulder does not need to be immobilized, therapy can begin soon after the diagnosis. After a surgical procedure, such as a rotator cuff repair, the shoulder is usually immobilized in a sling for a period of about 7-10 days. Physical therapy will begin sometime around week 2 post-op with passive and assisted motion for approximately 4-6 weeks. Therapy to help gain strength and active motion will begin after the first phase.
Standard Treatment Approach
While every injury, surgery, and treatment plant will vary among patients, there is a general treatment protocol that all patients should adhere to. A treatment plan will consist of on-hands therapy with one of our licensed therapy who will proactively move the arm into different and new positions through the treatment process. During physical therapy, patients will be given an at-home plan to follow, in addition to the hands-on plan done within our physical therapy studio. Patients will also follow a regime of alternating cold and heat, as well as take anti-inflammatory medication when needed. Many patients will also get to take advantage of our ultrasound electrical stimulation, which is a device that is place on the treated area that sends ultra waves of energy to the injury to help stimulate blood flow, circulation, and healing.
Countless studies of medical research has shown physical therapy to be an effective post-injury healing mechanism. Effective treatment and a proactive, diligent approach to therapy leads to positive long-term results for our patients.
Start Healing today
Our trained physical therapists are skilled, licensed PTs who help our patients develop, restore, and maintain optimal shoulder movement and function. Our therapists will work with you gently to help restore flexibility and strength so that you can get back to enjoying your life in a pain-free manner. Call our orthopedic office today to learn more about our therapists and our physical therapy program, and allow us to help determine if it is a good option for your recovery.
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.
Related Topics:
Surgical Treatments
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Open Shoulder Surgery
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- AC Joint Reconstruction
- Latarjet Procedure
- Clavicle Fracture Repair
- Biceps Tendon Surgery
- Pectoralis Major Repair
- Shoulder Fracture Repair
