Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

What are the 7 main types of physical therapy?

what are the 7 main types of physical therapy

Recovery isn’t just resting—it also involves taking action to heal yourself faster and better. Whether you’re hurting, stiff, or injured, physical therapy can help you get your strength and range of motion back. But did you know that there isn’t only one kind of physical therapy? In reality, different types of physical therapy cure a variety of different conditions. If you are not sure which one is suitable for you, you can scroll below to determine the therapy that can aid you in healing and help you perform at your optimum.

1. Cryotherapy: The Power of Cold

Cold therapy is not limited to athletes—it’s a state-of-the-art pain relief and recovery method. Cryotherapy uses ice packs, cold compresses, or full-body cryo chambers to calm inflammation, numb aching areas, and speed up healing.

  • Decreases swollen tissues and pain
  • Assists in managing post-surgical swelling
  • Great for muscle pull, joint swelling, and unexpected injuries

2. Cold Laser Therapy: A Light-Based Healing Technique

Cold laser therapy uses low-level laser light to penetrate injured tissue at the cellular level. While regular lasers burn and cut, cold laser therapy will not. It activates cell regeneration and shuts off inflammation.

  • Accelerates wound healing
  • Decreases chronic pain and stiffness
  • Is excellent for arthritis, tendonitis, and athletic injuries

3. Ultrasound Therapy: Deep Tissue Stimulation

Ultrasound therapy is not solely for medical imaging but is also a therapeutic agent that employs the use of sound wave application for promoting healing at tissue depths. It does so by creating heat under the skin, inhibiting spasms of the muscle, and improving circulation.

  • Enhances flexibility and inhibits stiffness
  • Used to treat chronic pain syndromes
  • Historically used in ligament and tendon injury

4. Cupping Therapy: Ancient Pain Management Method

Cupping therapy, a traditional physical therapy, employs suction cups to increase blood flow and relax muscle tension. It is used by athletes to speed recovery and alleviate soreness.

  • Improves circulation and flexibility
  • Relaxes muscle knots and chronic tension
  • Assists in detoxification and relaxation

5. Exercise Therapy: Restoring Strength and Mobility

Exercise therapy is a staple of rehabilitation, such as controlled movement and strengthening exercises to address specific needs. It becomes a crucial way to improve mobility and prevent re-injury.

  • Strengthen muscles
  • Increase flexibility
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Support post-injury and post-surgery recovery

6. Heat Therapy: Relaxing Muscles and Joints

Heat therapy is probably the simplest and most effective way to ease muscle tension and stiffness. With the use of heating pads, hot towels, or warm baths, heat can stimulate blood flow and ease sore muscles.

  • Eases chronic pain and stiffness
  • Encourages blood circulation for healing acceleration
  • Ideal for arthritis, muscle spasms, and joint pain

7. Chiropractic Traction Therapy: Spinal Decompression for Relief

Chiropractic traction treatment is directed towards the decompression and alignment of the spine. It releases tension from the nerves by gradually stretching the spine, reducing pain, and improving posture.

  • Alleviates neck and back discomfort
  • Treats disorders of herniated discs and sciatica
  • Improves spinal movement and alignment

Types of Physical Therapy: Finding the Right Fit

With all the options, the type of physical therapy to select is dependent on your condition, symptoms, and goals. Some are fine with a mix of therapies, while others may find one particularly beneficial. 

If you need effective physical therapy treatments, we’re here to assist you. Whatever you need—targeted pain treatment or a body rehabilitation program in general—we’ll guide you through the best options available. Book an appointment today with our Beverly Hills clinic and enjoy life without pain!

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Related Post