Physical Therapy in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, CA
Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, helps patients in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita explore orthopedic treatment options that support recovery from injuries, surgery, and musculoskeletal conditions. Physical therapy may be recommended as part of a personalized care plan to reduce pain, improve mobility, restore strength, and help patients return to everyday activities.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is an exercise program that helps you improve movement, relieve pain, encourage blood flow for faster healing, and restore your physical function and fitness level. The main goal of physical therapy is to make your daily activities such as walking, getting in and out of bed, or climbing stairs easier. It can be prescribed as an individual treatment program or combined with other treatments. Physical therapy is usually ordered to help you recover after certain surgeries, injuries and long-term health problems such as arthritis.
A physical therapist will examine your symptoms and activity level, and create a treatment plan which primarily focuses on reducing your pain and swelling. The different procedures used by your PT depend on your specific physical complaints.
What does Physical Therapy Involve?
PT incorporates a combination of education, manual therapy, exercise, and technique. Some of the procedures commonly used are:
Stretching Exercises
Surgery, age, and conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can cause inflammation and stiffness in your joints and muscles while restricting your movement. Physical therapists guide you step by step to stretch different areas of your body to restore flexibility and enhance the movement of joints and muscles.
Core-strengthening and Stability Exercises
Specific exercises are designed to make the core (pelvis and lower back) strong enough to support the whole body.
Ice and heat: Applying heat or cold treatments to muscles can stimulate the blood flow, and reduce pain and swelling. Heat treatment helps to reduce joint pain and spasms in the lower back and neck, and loosen muscles. Cooling works well for sprains and can decrease pain and swelling.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound sends high-frequency sound waves over your body and stimulates deep body tissues. Vibrations produced by sound waves help to stimulate blood flow and facilitate the healing process. This procedure can also be used to improve metabolism and enhance the adhesiveness of bones after a fracture.
Electrostimulation
In this procedure, an electric current is passed through the area which requires treatment. This helps to relieve pain, stimulate muscles and nerves, and expand blood vessels.
These treatments may cause mild soreness or swelling. You should talk to your therapist if these symptoms are prolonged.
Why Choose Dr. Alireza Nazemi for Physical Therapy in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita?
Recovering from an orthopedic injury or surgery may require a care plan that addresses pain, mobility, strength, and daily function. Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, can evaluate orthopedic concerns and help determine whether physical therapy should be part of a patient's treatment and recovery plan.
- Individualized treatment planning: Recommendations based on the patient's condition, symptoms, functional goals, and recovery needs.
- Recovery after injury or surgery: Physical therapy may help restore movement and strength following certain orthopedic procedures or injuries.
- Improved mobility and function: Guided exercises may help improve flexibility, balance, stability, and the ability to perform daily activities.
- Coordinated orthopedic care: Treatment recommendations can be tailored to the patient's overall orthopedic needs and progress.
Patients in Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, and nearby communities can contact the practice to discuss orthopedic concerns and appropriate recovery options.
Physical Therapy FAQs
What is physical therapy used for?
Physical therapy may help reduce pain, improve flexibility and strength, restore mobility, and support recovery after an injury or surgery. It may also help people manage certain chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
When might physical therapy be recommended?
It may be recommended after an orthopedic injury or surgery, or for conditions that affect joint movement, muscle strength, or everyday activities. The timing and type of therapy depend on the diagnosis and treatment plan.
What happens during physical therapy?
A physical therapy program may include guided exercises, stretching, strengthening, balance training, manual techniques, and education about safe movement. Treatment is adjusted to the patient's condition and goals.
Can physical therapy help after orthopedic surgery?
Yes. When recommended by the treating clinician, physical therapy can help patients gradually regain movement, strength, and function after certain orthopedic procedures. The rehabilitation plan depends on the type of surgery and healing progress.
Does physical therapy help with arthritis?
Physical therapy may help people with arthritis improve joint mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and manage some limitations in daily activities. Exercises should be adapted to the affected joint and the person's symptoms.
How long does physical therapy take?
The duration varies based on the condition, severity of symptoms, treatment goals, and progress. Some patients need only a short course, while others benefit from a longer rehabilitation program.
Can physical therapy be painful?
Some exercises may cause temporary muscle soreness or mild discomfort, particularly when rebuilding strength or mobility. Severe or persistent pain should be reported to the treating clinician or physical therapist so the plan can be reassessed.
What treatments may be included in physical therapy?
Depending on the patient's needs, treatment may include stretching, strengthening and stability exercises, heat or cold applications, and selected modalities such as electrical stimulation. Not every technique is appropriate for every condition.
Do I need an orthopedic evaluation before starting physical therapy?
An evaluation may help identify the cause of symptoms and determine whether physical therapy is appropriate. Some injuries or conditions require additional assessment or treatment before rehabilitation begins.
Where can I inquire about orthopedic care in Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita?
Patients in Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, and surrounding communities can contact Dr. Alireza Nazemi's practice to ask about orthopedic evaluation and whether physical therapy may be appropriate for their condition.
Discuss Physical Therapy and Recovery Options in Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita
If pain, stiffness, or limited mobility is affecting your daily routine, an orthopedic evaluation can help clarify your treatment options. Contact Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, to inquire about orthopedic care in Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita, California, and discuss whether physical therapy may be a suitable part of your recovery plan.
