IVY Integrative / Services / Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy
WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Physical therapy is a healthcare practice focused on improving movement, function, and quality of life through hands-on techniques, exercises, and education. It helps individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and prevent future physical impairments. At IVY Integrative in Charlotte, NC, we offer a comprehensive range of physical therapy services, including myofascial release and pelvic floor therapy. Myofascial release targets the connective tissues surrounding muscles and organs, helping to relieve pain and tension. Pelvic floor therapy focuses on strengthening and restoring the muscles of the pelvic floor, which can help with a variety of issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and postpartum recovery.
BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy provides numerous benefits, including:
Pain relief: Through targeted techniques and exercises, physical therapy helps alleviate pain caused by injury, chronic conditions, or surgery.
Improved mobility and function: It aids in restoring and improving the body’s ability to move, function, and perform daily activities.
Injury prevention: Physical therapy teaches proper movement techniques, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Post-surgical rehabilitation: Helps speed up recovery after surgery and ensures that the body heals properly.
Chronic condition management: It offers long-term strategies for managing conditions like arthritis, back pain, and other musculoskeletal issues.
Improved strength and flexibility: Regular sessions build strength and flexibility, enhancing overall physical performance.
HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY WORKS
Physical therapy begins with an initial evaluation where a licensed physical therapist assesses your condition, medical history, and goals. Based on this, a customized treatment plan is created. This plan may include:
Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques, such as myofascial release, are used to relieve pain, improve circulation, and restore mobility.
Exercise therapy: Specific exercises target muscles and joints to strengthen, improve range of motion, and increase endurance.
Education: Therapists provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, and movement patterns to prevent future issues.
Modalities: Tools such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may be used to enhance healing and pain relief.
Pelvic floor therapy, which is also offered at IVY Integrative, focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and biofeedback to treat conditions like incontinence and pelvic pain.
COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED BY PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy can treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
Back and neck pain
Sports injuries (sprains, strains, ligament injuries)
Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, etc.)
Arthritis
Chronic pain syndromes (e.g., fibromyalgia)
Pelvic floor disorders (incontinence, pelvic pain, postpartum issues)
TMJ disorders (jaw pain)
Headaches and migraines (often related to muscle tension)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A PHYSICAL THERAPY SESSION
During your first physical therapy session, the therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation, asking about your medical history, current condition, and specific goals. They may assess your range of motion, strength, posture, and movement patterns to determine the best treatment plan for you.
A typical session will include:
Hands-on therapy: This could involve myofascial release, joint mobilization, or other manual techniques.
Targeted exercises: These exercises will be tailored to your condition and focus on building strength, improving flexibility, and restoring function.
Guidance and education: Your therapist will provide tips for home exercises and lifestyle modifications to support your recovery.
Each session is highly personalized and designed to progress as your strength and mobility improve.
FAQ FOR PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY
Does pelvic floor therapy hurt?
Pelvic floor therapy is generally not painful. However, some people may experience mild discomfort during manual therapy or exercises, especially if there is existing tightness or dysfunction in the pelvic muscles. Your therapist will work with you to ensure your comfort throughout the session and adjust treatment as needed.
How long does a session last?
A pelvic floor therapy session typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. The exact duration depends on the individual’s needs and treatment plan.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. For pelvic floor therapy, you may be asked to undress from the waist down to allow for a thorough evaluation. Your therapist will ensure your privacy and comfort throughout the session.
Are there any side effects?
Most people experience minimal side effects after pelvic floor therapy. You may feel some mild soreness or fatigue in the pelvic area, similar to what you might feel after a workout. These effects typically subside within a day or two. In rare cases, individuals may experience increased sensitivity or discomfort, but these reactions are usually temporary. Your therapist will guide you on how to manage any post-session discomfort.
FAQ FOR MYOFASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that focuses on releasing tension and tightness in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. It helps alleviate pain, improve movement, and restore balance in the body.
How does Myofascial Release work?
Myofascial Release involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to areas of restriction in the fascia. This technique helps soften and stretch the connective tissue, improving mobility and reducing discomfort. Sessions are typically individualized to address specific areas of pain or tightness.
What are the benefits of Myofascial Release?
Some of the key benefits include pain relief, improved range of motion, reduced muscle tightness, and enhanced recovery from injury or overuse. It is especially effective for conditions like chronic pain, muscle tension, and postural imbalances.
What should I wear to my Myofascial Release session?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. Many clients prefer to wear athletic wear like shorts or yoga pants and a tank top or t-shirt. This will allow the therapist to access the areas being treated while keeping you comfortable. These techniques are best performed on skin, so shorts are preferable to pants.
How long does a Myofascial Release session last, and how many will I need?
Sessions typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on your individual needs with the average recommended session of 60 minutes. The number of sessions required varies, but many clients experience significant benefits after just a few treatments. Your therapist will recommend a plan based on your specific condition and goals.
Will I be sore after the session?
Some clients do experience soreness in the areas that were treated, or possibly somewhere completely different in the body. The soreness typically feels therapeutic as opposed to the pain that brought you to the treatment session. This soreness can last hours or possibly up to 2 days depending on the client and level of restriction. You can use ice to help soothe any soreness that might occur. Many clients do not feel soreness at all, and typically the more treatments you have, the less soreness that tends to arise after sessions.
