Physiotherapy
Physical therapy helps people recover by responding to physical stimuli. It uses various methods to assist those with pain, or recovering from surgery or injuries, to gradually regain movement. It is often used for chronic pain from posture or movement issues, as well as after ACL or meniscus surgery. Many prefer non-drug physical therapy because it allows for tailored treatment plans that address specific needs, speeding up pain relief and functional recovery. The main treatment types are instrument therapy, manual therapy, and exercise therapy.
Instrument Therapy | Accelerating Recovery
Physical therapy instruments help reduce pain and promote healing in a non-invasive, non-drug manner. Common instruments include:
Shockwave Therapy
Eliminates inflammation, stimulates tissue repair, and accelerates recovery
High Energy Inductive
Blocks pain sensations, improves joint function, and speeds up fracture healing
Interferential Wave Therapy
Relaxes tense muscles and prevents atrophy, reducing pain signal transmission
Red Light Laser Therapy
Promotes body circulation and metabolism, reduces inflammation and swelling
Manual Therapy | Promoting Tissue Function Recovery
Professional physical therapists use hands-on techniques to relax and treat muscles, joints, fascia, soft tissues, and the nervous system, which helps to accelerate the recovery of movement, reduce pain, and improve function. Compared to traditional massage, physical therapy techniques place greater emphasis on medical safety and precision, with a deeper understanding of human anatomy, resulting in better treatment outcomes
Common Techniques
Joint Mobilization
Improves joint range of motion
Deep Tissue Massage
Promotes tissue repair
Soft Tissue Relaxation Techniques
Reduces tension
Sports Therapy — Actively Participating in Recovery and Preventing Re-injury
Exercise therapy is key to rehabilitation. Therapists design personalized exercise plans based on physical therapy principles, helping patients actively engage in their recovery process and gradually regain movement ability. Exercise therapy not only improves postoperative function but also serves as a long-term rehabilitation treatment, effectively reducing the risk of re-injury.
Sports Therapy: Suitable for 3 Main Groups
- Chronic Pain Patients: Improve posture and movement patterns to reduce recurrence.
- Post-ACL Surgery: Strengthen the knee in stages to restore stability. .
- Post-Meniscus Surgery: Restore balance and flexibility.
Comparison of 3 Main Physical Therapy Methods
| Treatment Method | Suitable for | Common Tools/Techniques | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument Therapy | ✔ Postoperative recovery ✔ Acute and chronic pain ✔ Tissue repair | ✔ Shockwave ✔ Focused Electromagnetic Waves ✔ Interferential Waves ✔ Red Light Laser | ✔ Non-invasive ✔ Instrument-assisted |
| Manual Therapy | ✔ Postoperative stiffness ✔ Chronic pain ✔ Limited mobility | ✔ Joint Mobilization ✔ Soft Tissue Relaxation ✔ PNF Techniques | ✔ Specialized techniques ✔ Safe and effective |
| Sport Therapy | ✔ Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ✔ Post-ACL and Meniscus surgery ✔ Prevents re-injury | ✔ Personalized exercise plans ✔ Tailored approach | ✔ Active training ✔ Function-oriented |
Treatment Features
Managed by registered Physiotherapists
Personalized plans
Functional training with medical support
Especially suitable for postoperative recovery
Non-invasive, non-drug treatment
Prevents re-injury
Steps in Rehabilitation Physical Therapy
Step 1
Assessment by Physical Therapist
The therapist first reviews the patient's medical history and conducts professional assessments, such as joint range of motion tests, gait observation, functional scales, and pain evaluations to understand the patient’s actual condition.
Step 2
Personalizing Treatment Plan
Based on assessment results, a comprehensive plan that includes physical therapy instruments, manual therapy techniques, and exercise therapy is created.
Step 3
Follow-up and Optimization
Throughout the treatment process, the therapist gradually increases challenges, tracking progress using quantitative data (such as muscle strength, range of motion, and gait symmetry) and adjusting the treatment plan according to recovery progress.
Common Questions about Rehabilitation Physical Therapy (FAQ)
1. How long does it take for rehabilitation physical therapy to show effects?
Generally, patients experience significant improvements, such as reduced pain and increased joint mobility, after 4–6 weeks of continuous treatment. For rehabilitation after ACL or meniscus surgery, longer rehabilitation and phased integration of physical therapy instruments, manual therapy, and exercise therapy are usually required. Therapists monitor progress through joint angles, muscle strength tests, and gait analysis to ensure each step is safe and effective.
2. When can I start physical therapy after ACL surgery?
Most patients can begin early rehabilitation therapy several days to a week after surgery. Initially, physical therapy instruments (like interferential waves or red light) are used to reduce swelling and pain, with manual therapy techniques introduced to help with joint extension, and eventually exercise therapy to build strength and stability. Since recovery progress varies for each individual, therapists will design personalized plans based on your condition.
3. Is sports therapy necessary after meniscus surgery?
Yes, exercise therapy is crucial for recovery from meniscus surgery, helping to regain knee flexibility, stability, and balance. During the initial phase, therapists will arrange low-intensity physical therapy exercises to avoid overloading; as joint healing progresses, muscle strength and functional movements will be gradually increased to lower the risk of re-injury.
4. Does instrument therapy hurt?
Most physical therapy instruments are non-invasive and non-traumatic; during treatment, you may feel mild warmth or a tingling sensation, such as from shockwaves, focused electromagnetic waves, interferential waves, or red light. These sensations indicate effective stimulation of the tissue, promoting circulation and healing, particularly beneficial after ACL surgery or rehabilitation.
5. What is the difference between manual therapy and massage?
Physical therapy techniques are based on medical and anatomical principles, focusing on functional treatment to restore joint range of motion, alleviate muscle tension, and improve neural function. In contrast, general massage primarily aims for relaxation and may not address underlying issues. Physical therapists use appropriate manual therapy techniques based on your medical history and needs, combined with exercise therapy for longer-lasting results.
6. Is exercise therapy suitable for everyone?
Exercise physical therapy is personalized based on the patient's age, medical history, and functional needs, so it is largely suitable for most people. Whether for postoperative recovery, chronic pain, or enhancing physical fitness, exercise therapy can strengthen body function while effectively preventing re-injury. Therapists start with basic movements and gradually increase challenges to ensure safety.
7. What should I choose for chronic neck and shoulder pain?
If experiencing chronic neck and shoulder pain, it is recommended to first use physical therapy instruments (like interferential waves or red light) to reduce inflammation, then pair it with manual therapy to relax tense tissues. Once pain is controlled, the therapist will schedule exercise therapy to improve posture and muscle balance, preventing recurrence. This combined approach can achieve comprehensive results from pain relief to functional improvement.
8. Can rehabilitation physical therapy replace surgery?
Some conditions can indeed be treated through rehabilitation therapy, potentially avoiding or delaying surgery, such as mild knee injuries or chronic back pain. However, for severe tears or structural damage, surgery may still be necessary. Even after surgery, physical therapy techniques, instruments, and exercise therapy are essential for restoring function. It’s advisable to consult a specialist doctor first, and then have the therapist design an appropriate plan.
9. How will the therapist arrange physical therapy?
During physical therapy, the therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including medical history, joint mobility, pain source, and muscle strength testing. They will then develop a comprehensive plan that combines instrument therapy, manual therapy, and exercise physical therapy, advancing gradually according to progress to help you restore movement ability and avoid re-injury.
10. How often should I receive rehabilitation physical therapy?
Treatment frequency depends on the condition, typically recommended at 1–3 times per week. During the acute phase or postoperative rehabilitation, more intensive treatment might be required; once the condition stabilizes, frequency can gradually decrease. The therapist will also arrange home exercise therapy routines, such as stretching and strength training, to ensure progress continues steadily.
