Physical Therapy Specialist

Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Physicians & Pulmonologist located in Metairie, LA

If you experience a personal injury or undergo surgery, physical therapy can speed up your recovery process, restoring strength and mobility. Luis Espinoza, MD, and their caring team at the Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine in Metairie, Louisiana, offer several types of physical therapy, including dry needling, Kinesio taping, Graston deep tissue massage, and traction therapy. To schedule your appointment, call the office or book online today.

Physical Therapy Q&A

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a blanket term used to describe a group of healing techniques that ease pain, relieve swelling, and promote general mobility. 

The team of in house physical therapists at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine offer a range of physical therapy techniques to treat sports-related, personal, and occupational injuries, as well as joint pain, tendinitis, and to promote recovery following surgery. Physical therapy improves strength, circulation, and range of motion. By participating, you can return to your favorite activities again quickly, while limiting your risk of further complications.

Are there different types of physical therapy?

At Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine, the team offers the latest physical therapy techniques, including:

Dry needling

Dry needling is a type of physical therapy designed to ease muscle pain and tightness caused by trigger points. A trigger point is an area of inflamed muscle tissue that’s swollen and sensitive to the touch. During dry needling, your Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine provider inserts a series of small, medical-grade needles into irritated trigger points. Ultimately, this reduces pain and encourages healing.

Kinesio Taping®

 

Kinesio taping is a type of physical therapy that uses Kinesio Tex Tape® to provide injured muscles or joints with support and stability. It’s administered following manual physical therapy and provides extended soft-tissue manipulation in the days following your initial appointment. Kinesio Taping encourages healing by lifting your skin and promoting lymphatic drainage. These allow the inflammation to decrease throughout your body. 

The Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is a type of massage therapy that uses a handheld instrument to gently manipulate and scrape your skin. Ultimately, this helps your Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine provider identify restricted muscles and to break up scar tissue. Like other types of physical therapy, the Graston Technique eases pain and increases muscle and joint function.

Spinal traction therapy

Spinal traction therapy uses a specialized tool to take the pressure off of your spinal column. This type of physical therapy is particularly beneficial for conditions like slipped discs, bone spurs, sciatica, and pinched nerves.

Stimulation (stim) therapy 

Electrical muscle stimulation, or stim therapy, helps loosen tight or stiff muscles. Ultimately, this process relaxes any muscle groups that are tight or stiff. It also encourages a range of motion. Usually, the team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine combines stim therapy with weight training or another type of manual therapy.

What type of physical therapy will I benefit from?

Only a qualified medical professional like the team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine can determine the type of physical therapy that will most benefit you. Following a physical exam, a discussion of your goals for treatment, and a review of your medical history, your provider can formulate a treatment plan that aligns with your needs.

To make a physical therapy appointment at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine, call the office or book online today.