Physical therapy for burn care focuses on restoring mobility, preventing scar-related complications, and improving overall function and quality of life after burn injuries.

Symptoms:

• Restricted movement due to scar tissue
• Pain or sensitivity in affected areas
• Muscle weakness or joint stiffness

Treatments/Procedures:

• Range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility
• Scar management techniques, including massage and stretching
• Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle function
• Adaptive strategies to support daily activities and recovery

Physical therapy offers effective strategies to manage discomfort and improve participation in daily activities through a multidisciplinary approach.

Symptoms:

• Persistent pain
• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Reduced physical activity
• Fatigue and low energy
• Difficulty with physical activities

Treatments/Procedures:

• Pain management techniques such as relaxation training, and thermal or electrical therapies
• Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension
• Personalized exercise plans to restore movement and function
• Physical therapy for mobility and strength
• Cognitive strategies to cope with pain

Physical therapy for older adults addresses issues like arthritis, osteoporosis, or balance problems. It focuses on improving strength, mobility, and independence while reducing fall risks.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty walking or standing
• Frequent falls or fear of falling
• Reduced strength or flexibility

Treatments/Procedures:

• Gait and balance training to enhance stability
• Fall prevention exercises to reduce risk
• Strength and endurance programs for overall fitness

Physical therapy for lung care supports individuals with respiratory conditions by improving breathing efficiency, clearing airways, and enhancing overall lung function. Commonly used for conditions like COPD, asthma, or post-surgical recovery.

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Frequent coughing or mucus buildup

Treatments/Procedures:

• Breathing exercises to enhance lung capacity
• Airway clearance techniques to remove mucus
• Strength and endurance training for improved respiratory efficiency
• Education on posture and techniques to optimize breathing

Lymphedema is a condition where fluid builds up in the body's soft tissues, causing swelling, most often in the arms or legs. It happens when the lymphatic system, which helps remove waste and fight infections, isn't working properly.

Symptoms:

• Swelling in the arms, legs, or other areas
• Heaviness or tightness in affected limbs
• Skin changes, such as hardening or thickening

Treatments/Procedures:

• Physical Therapy: Uses manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to stimulate lymph flow and compression therapy to reduce swelling. Therapy also includes exercises to improve circulation, reduce fluid buildup, and education on skin care to prevent infections.
• Occupational Therapy: Focuses on lymphedema management, including custom garment fitting and education on self-care techniques. Compression therapy may also be used as part of the treatment plan.

Neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or multiple sclerosis can affect movement, coordination, and daily functioning.

Symptoms:

• Muscle weakness, paralysis, or spasticity
• Difficulty with coordination, balance, or walking
• Challenges with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothing
• Cognitive changes affecting memory, problem-solving, or attention

Treatments/Procedures:

• Physical Therapy: Helps improve walking and balance to make moving safer. It also includes special exercises to retrain the muscles and therapy for dizziness or vertigo.
• Occupational Therapy: Focuses on building strength, coordination, and movement for daily activities like dressing, cooking, and grooming. It also helps with touch and balance problems and teaches how to use assistive devices for mobility or communication.

Orthopedic injuries and conditions—such as sprains, fractures, joint degeneration, and scoliosis—can result from trauma, overuse, or aging. Rehabilitation therapy helps restore movement, reduce pain, and improve strength for people of all ages.

Symptoms:

• Joint or muscle pain
• Swelling or stiffness
• Reduced mobility or strength
• Muscle weakness or instability

Treatments/Procedures:

• Physical therapy to restore function and mobility
• Manual therapy to relieve pain and stiffness
• Strength and flexibility exercises tailored to recovery
• Bracing for alignment and support
• Gait training to improve walking patterns
• Thermal and electrical modalities to manage pain and inflammation

Pelvic health therapy helps individuals manage conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or postpartum recovery by strengthening and improving pelvic floor function.

Symptoms:

• Urinary leakage or incontinence
• Pelvic or lower back pain
• Weakness in the pelvic floor muscles

Treatments/Procedures:

• Pelvic floor exercises to build strength and control
• Manual therapy for pain relief and improved function
• Education on bladder and bowel management for daily comfort

Recovering from surgery takes time, but the right care can help you heal safely and regain function. At UTMB, our rehabilitation team provides personalized therapy to support recovery after procedures such as joint replacements, rotator cuff repair, and spinal surgery. Through guided movement, strength-building exercises, and pain management strategies, we help patients restore mobility, prevent complications, and get back to daily activities with confidence.

Symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness
• Weakness or reduced function in the affected area
• Difficulty resuming or performing daily activities

Treatments/Procedures:

• Gradual strength and endurance training to rebuild muscle and improve mobility.
• Range of motion exercises to enhance flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Manual therapy to manage scar tissue, relieve pain, and support healing.
• Custom splinting and ergonomic assessments to reduce strain and promote proper alignment.
• Functional activity retraining to improve movement patterns and prevent repetitive stress injuries.
• Pain management techniques, including stretching and relaxation exercises, to support recovery.

Physical therapy helps address postural imbalances or walking difficulties caused by conditions like scoliosis, injury, or neurological disorders, improving alignment and mobility.

Symptoms:

• Poor posture or walking patterns
• Pain during prolonged standing or activities
• Frequent stumbling or tripping

Treatments/Procedures:

• Posture correction exercises to realign the body
• Walking training to improve walking mechanics
• General strengthening exercises for balance and flexibility

Sensory-based treatment helps individuals, such as those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder, manage difficulties with processing sensory input like touch, sound, or movement.

Symptoms:

• Over- or under-responsiveness to sensory input (e.g., textures, loud noises)
• Difficulty focusing or calming down
• Challenges with motor skills, like clumsiness or fine motor tasks

Treatments/Procedures:

Occupational Therapy Treatments:

• Custom splinting and ergonomic assessments to reduce strain and promote proper alignment.
• Functional activity retraining to adapt movements, improve coordination, and prevent repetitive stress injuries.
• Manual therapy to manage scar tissue, enhance healing, and improve fine motor function.
• Pain management techniques, including stretching and relaxation exercises, to improve comfort during daily activities.

Physical Therapy Treatments:

• Gradual strength and endurance training to rebuild muscle and improve mobility.
• Range of motion exercises to enhance flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Strengthening and mobility exercises to improve endurance and prevent future injuries.
• Manual therapy to relieve muscle tightness, improve circulation, and support recovery.

Whether recovering from sprains, fractures, or overuse injuries, physical therapy helps athletes regain strength, prevent re-injury, and return to peak performance.

Symptoms:

• Pain, swelling, or stiffness in the affected area
• Limited range of motion or instability
• Muscle weakness or reduced performance

Treatments/Procedures:

• Sport-specific rehab programs tailored to athletic goals
• Flexibility and strengthening exercises to restore mobility
• Injury prevention education to avoid future issues

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps manage symptoms caused by conditions like vertigo, inner ear disorders, or neurological issues, improving balance and reducing dizziness.

Symptoms:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Unsteadiness or frequent falls
• Nausea or blurred vision

Treatments/Procedures:

• Customized balance training to improve stability
• Eye movement exercises for gaze stabilization
• Habituation techniques to reduce dizziness over time