Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a nonmedical treatment method that utilizes exercises and physical techniques to restore, improve and maintain ankle and foot function. Although physical therapy treatment involves avoiding medication techniques, it is often considered as an option in comprehensive medical therapy.

The primary goal of physical therapy is to provide:

• restoration of normal mobility;
• reduction of pain and inflammation;
• strengthening of muscles and tendons;
• improving blood circulation, which promotes faster healing of tissues;
• improving overall joint stability and flexibility, which helps prevent re-injury.

At Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, under the direction of Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, physical therapy is focused on improving patients' quality of life. By creating individualized physical therapy treatment programs, our physical therapists help our patients regain normal range of motion.

When Is Physical Therapy Recommended?

Physical Therapy can be recommended in various cases related to the manifestation of pathological symptoms in the feet and ankles.

The most commonly recommended methods of treatment aim to:

• maintain foot health in elderly or overweight people;
• restore foot and ankle functionality after surgery;

Physical Therapy is mostly recommended for

• chronic conditions (degenerative joint changes, foot deformities, neuropathies);
• treatment of sports injuries (sprains and tears of ligaments, fractures of bones of the foot and ankle, Achilles tendon injuries).

Physical therapy Treatment is also used to:

• Manage heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, heel spurs or Achilles tendonitis.
• Reduce or eliminate ankle pain in cases of ankle arthritis, tendonitis, chronic ankle instability or tarsal canal syndrome.

Physical therapy helps not only in treating pre-existing problems, but also in preventing them, ensuring long-term functionality and health of the feet and ankles.

Preparation for Physical Therapy

Preparing for physical therapy treatment sessions involves several important steps to help ensure that your treatment is as effective and safe as possible.

Initial consultation with a physical therapist

• Review of medical history (previous injuries, surgeries, and chronic illnesses).
• Identification of problems and pathological symptoms (their intensity, frequency and localization).
• Physical diagnosis - examining and evaluating the ankle joints and feet.
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or possible allergic reactions.

Depending on your problem, additional diagnostic procedures may be ordered

• X-rays.
• MRI or ultrasound.
• Electromyography (EMG).

These tests will help to accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan.

The Physical Therapy Process

The process of physical therapy involves the use of various methods and techniques to treat and rehabilitate various foot and ankle conditions.

Мethods and techniques ща Physical therapy

Exercises:

• on strengthening the muscles of the feet and ankle to help improve support and stability;
• stretching, to increase the flexibility of muscles and ligaments;
• improving coordination and balance (important for athletes and people with chronic ankle instability).

Manual therapy:

• manual techniques to mobilize joints - to improve mobility and reduce pain;
• muscle relaxation, reduction of inflammation and improvement of blood circulation by massage techniques.

Physical modalities

• Heat therapy and cryotherapy: to reduce pain and inflammation and improve circulation.
• Electrotherapy: use of electrical stimulators to reduce pain and muscle stimulation.
• Ultrasound: for deep tissue warming and accelerating healing.

It is worth noting the beneficial effects of kinesiotaping and the use of orthoses, which allow to:

• reduce pain sensations up to their complete elimination;
• improve lymphatic and blood circulation;
• provide freedom and comfort of movement.

The integrated use of exercises, manual therapy and physical techniques has been successfully used to treat and rehabilitate athletes after injury.

Treatment and rehabilitation programs for athletes, with gradual increases in exertion and intense training, supervised by our qualified physiotherapist, ensure a safe return to sporting activity.

Expected Outcomes

From an evidence-based medicine perspective, physical therapy is an effective method of treating a variety of foot and ankle conditions and injuries.

Here are some of the expected outcomes

• Reduction in pain and inflammation.
• Improved range of motion in the joints of the foot and ankle.
• Strengthening muscles and improving stability.
• Improving joint function and stability.

Physical therapy can help improve your quality of life and allow you to return to your favorite activities.

Benefits of Physical Therapy at Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic

Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic offers a wide range of physical therapy services to treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions and injuries.

Our benefits

1. Experienced and qualified professionals.
2. Individualized approach.
3. State-of-the-art equipment.
4. Comprehensive approach to treatment and rehabilitation.
5. Focus on results.

If you are experiencing pain, discomfort or limited mobility in your feet or ankle, contact Illinois Foot & Ankle. We will address your problems with the outmost care. We'll develop a customized physical therapy program to help you get back to your normal routine quickly.