Orthopedic Physical Therapy — The Jackson Clinics
Understanding Orthopedic Physical Therapy
If you’re dealing with joint pain, recovering from surgery, or healing after an injury, you’ve likely heard of orthopedic physical therapy. But what exactly is it? And how can it help you get back to the activities you love?
In this guide, we’ll answer those questions and more.
Let’s Discuss:
- What is orthopedic physical therapy?
- What is orthopedic physical therapy used for?
- Who can benefit from orthopedic physical therapy?
- Who provides orthopedic physical therapy?
- What do orthopedic physical therapists do?
- What happens during an orthopedic physical therapy session?
First, what is orthopedic physical therapy?
Orthopedic physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. This includes your bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.
Orthopedic therapy helps individuals recover from injury, manage chronic pain, and restore mobility after surgeries such as knee replacement, hip replacement, or rotator cuff repair. It combines clinical expertise with hands-on techniques and therapeutic exercises designed to improve function, reduce pain, and prevent further injury.
Whether you’re dealing with an injury, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery, orthopedic and sports physical therapy is a proven path to better movement and long-term wellness.
– The Core Goals of Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Orthopedic therapy isn’t just about getting through an injury—it’s about building strength, restoring independence, and preventing future problems.
Key goals include:
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Restoring joint mobility and flexibility
- Strengthening weakened or injured muscles
- Improving balance and coordination
- Enhancing functional movement
- Supporting post-surgical recovery
- Preventing re-injury or chronic dysfunction
In short, orthopedic physical therapy helps you move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain.
– What Is Orthopedic Therapy Used For?
Orthopedic therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions that affect movement, strength, and mobility.
Some common issues treated include:
- Sprains and strains
- Tendonitis (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis)
- Bursitis
- Fractures
- Arthritis and joint degeneration
- Herniated discs
- Post-surgical recovery (ACL, rotator cuff, joint replacements)
- Sports injuries and overuse syndromes
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique condition and goals—whether it’s walking pain-free again, returning to sport, or regaining strength and balance.
– Who Can Benefit from Orthopedic Physical Therapy?
You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit.
Our patients come from all walks of life and include:
- Adults with chronic joint or back pain
- Seniors recovering from joint replacements
- Workers recovering from repetitive strain injuries
- Athletes with acute or overuse injuries
- Post-operative patients
- Anyone with difficulty walking, lifting, or performing daily tasks
Specialized orthopedic physical therapy helps people of all ages regain independence and restore quality of life.
Who Provides Orthopedic Physical Therapy?
Orthopedic physical therapy is delivered by licensed physical therapists with specialized training in musculoskeletal health. These professionals are experts in treating conditions involving muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
Some physical therapists take their training a step further by earning board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)—a designation that reflects advanced clinical expertise and experience.
– What Is an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist?
Orthopedic Physical Therapy is a specialty area within the physical therapy profession that focuses on orthopedic conditions across the age and ability spectrum.
Board Certified Clinical Specialists in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) are physical therapists who have passed the Orthopedic Board Certification Examination. Fewer than 7% of physical therapists in the United States have earned this distinction, making it a significant professional milestone.
What Does Board Certification Mean?
To become board certified, a therapist must:
- Complete thousands of hours of orthopedic clinical practice
- Undergo additional specialty education or complete a residency
- Pass a rigorous national certification exam
Choosing a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist ensures you’re receiving care from someone with proven expertise in evidence-based orthopedic treatment.
– What Do Orthopedic Physical Therapists Do?
Orthopedic physical therapists are highly trained healthcare providers who evaluate, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions. They create customized treatment plans based on a thorough assessment of your movement, pain patterns, and functional limitations.
Typical components of treatment include:
- Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and release soft tissue restrictions
- Therapeutic exercise – Strengthening, flexibility, and neuromuscular control exercises tailored to your condition
- Functional training – Movement re-education to improve posture, gait, balance, and daily activities
- Pain management – Non-invasive interventions to reduce discomfort and inflammation
- Post-operative care – Rehab programs aligned with surgical protocols to ensure safe and effective recovery
Orthopedic physical therapists often collaborate with orthopedic surgeons and other medical professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to your care.
What Happens During an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Session?
During your first visit, your orthopedic therapist will perform a detailed evaluation to assess:
- Range of motion
- Strength and flexibility
- Posture and body mechanics
- Gait and balance
- Pain patterns and movement dysfunctions
Based on this assessment, they’ll create a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Your sessions may include:
- Guided exercises
- Hands-on joint or soft tissue mobilization
- Stretching techniques
- Postural and movement corrections
- Education on body mechanics and injury prevention
Why Choose The Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy?
At The Jackson Clinics, we provide expert orthopedic physical therapy services that are customized, compassionate, and results-driven.
Our team includes board-certified orthopedic clinical specialists who use the latest evidence-based techniques to treat everything from minor sprains to complex post-surgical rehab.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Highly Trained Therapists: Our staff includes orthopedic specialists and board-certified clinicians
- Personalized Care: We treat each patient as an individual, not a diagnosis
- Evidence-Based Techniques: Proven methods tailored to your recovery goals
- State-of-the-Art Facility: Modern equipment and private treatment areas
Whether you need orthopedic physical therapy for a new injury or ongoing condition, we’re here to help you heal and thrive.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re wondering whether orthopedic physical therapy is right for you, contact us today for a consultation. We’ll assess your condition and create a personalized plan to help you move better, feel better, and get back to living your life.
Commonly Asked Questions
1) What is an orthopedic physical therapist?
An orthopedic therapist is a physical therapist trained in treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. They specialize in restoring movement and reducing pain using non-invasive methods.
2) What do orthopedic physical therapists do?
They evaluate, diagnose, and treat conditions that affect joints, muscles, bones, and ligaments. Treatment includes manual therapy, exercise, education, and pain management techniques.
3) What is orthopedic therapy?
It refers to a range of physical therapy services that target orthopedic (muscle, bone, and joint) conditions. It is focused on improving function, strength, and mobility.
4) What is an orthopedic clinical specialist?
A board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist is a physical therapist with advanced credentials and extensive training in orthopedic conditions. Fewer than 7% of physical therapists in the U.S. have earned this distinction, underscoring their expertise and dedication to excellence in care.
