Complementary Health and Physical Therapy

By David Sisk, DPT

La Plata Physical Therapy, Inc.

. http://www.laplatapt.com/

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Complementary Health and Physical Therapy

With so many available options in healthcare for patient’s needs, it at times may be beneficial to consider complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine; complementary medicine is used in conjunction with conventional medicine, whereas alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.

Manipulative and body-based methods in CAM are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include osteopathic/osteopractic manipulation, joint mobilization, dry needling, Tai Chi, and massage. Following an injury to the body, one typically experiences deficits with muscle strength and recruitment, limitations with joint range of motion, muscle stiffness, and pain. Properly selected CAM can provide a timely facilitation of rehabilitation and management of orthopedic injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, and with certain applicable neuromuscular conditions. 

From a physical therapy perspective, multiple CAM techniques can be utilized for restoring strength and stability with general deconditioning, restoring proper arthrokinematics to restricted joint facets, reducing soft tissue dysfunction, reducing superficial and muscular myalgia and hypersensitivity, and to reduce movement compensations that can further impede a patient’s ability to restore prior levels of function. 

Speak with your health care provider about possible and appropriate CAM that may be suitable for you.