Physical and occupational therapies designed to restore function and independence

Restoring your mobility

The OrthoIndy Physical Therapy team specializes in treating bone, joint, spine and muscle conditions. The department provides outpatient physical therapy from seven locations, as well as inpatient and occupational therapy services from select locations.

Meet the Physical Therapy Team

Outpatient Physical Therapy

Our care is patient-focused and individualized to meet the needs and goals of each patient, enabling individuals to return to more active lifestyles quicker and in most cases, without pain. We exceed national averages for treatment of knee and shoulder conditions, based on the LIFEware® Outpatient Outcomes Tracking System.

We also offer our patients access to an AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill. Created by AlterG, Inc., this treadmill helps individuals exercise without pain, even while recovering from surgery or an injury. The unique unweighting technology reduces the impact of walking or running, while the body goes through the normal healing process. The treadmill is a great tool for runners looking to maintain mileage through injuries or increase mileage, without further risk for injury.

Occupational Therapy

Our occupational therapists create treatment plans for patients with upper extremity injuries. All of our OT’s are skilled at custom upper extremity splinting and brace fabrication. In addition, through follow-up, we are able to make any necessary modifications or adjustments to each brace due either to advancement of the rehab process or to maximize comfort and effectiveness of each device.

The team works with post-operative patients, as well as patients who do not require surgery, but are experiencing pain or injury.

Outside of our splinting capabilities, our treatment techniques include:  therapeutic exercise prescription specific to each condition, manual therapy such as soft-tissue and joint mobilization, stretching and strengthening, as well as a variety of modalities such as fluidotherapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and iontophoresis.

Our goal with each patient is to eliminate or reduce pain and maximize each patient’s functional capabilities to as close to a pre-injury level as possible. Additionally, we educate each patient on continuing the rehab process after they no longer require formal occupational therapy.

Inpatient Therapy

OrthoIndy Physical Therapy provides physical and occupational therapy to those patients staying in our hospital. We work with patients who have had total joint replacement, foot/ankle surgery, spine surgery and repair of traumatic injuries. The goal of our inpatient therapy team is to allow each patient to leave the hospital functioning at their highest level possible, as well as initiate the rehab process per each physician’s protocols. With their assistance, the majority of our patients are able to return home with a level of independence they did not know was achievable.

The department also assists each patient in acquiring whatever adaptive equipment is necessary after their surgery, such as walkers, crutches, reachers, bedside commodes, etc. Some of the various activities they focus on after surgery are: gait training with assistive device, getting in/out of bed, postoperative exercises to gain range of motion and strength, ability to go up/down stairs and curbs and activities of daily living like dressing and grooming.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a highly effective form of physical therapy for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. Dry needling is not acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine), it is based on neuroanatomy and modern scientific studies of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered trigger points to your pain.

Dry needling works by causing a small lesion within the muscle tissue and surrounding soft tissues which creates a chemical and neurological response, allowing the muscle to relax. This then creates a local healing response, thus reducing pain and restoring range of motion and movement. Conditions that respond well to dry needling include athletic and overuse injuries, tendonitis, chronic neck and back pain, headaches and post-surgical pain.

Please note: Dry needling is not covered by insurance. Patients will be responsible for providing payment the same day as their appointment.

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NEW SERVICE – Blood Flow Restriction

Blood flow restriction training (BFR) partially restricts blood flow to muscles during low intensity exercise to increase muscle strength. BFR is used in physical therapy at OrthoIndy without any additional cost. BFR is conducted at all OrthoIndy outpatient therapy locations and is done by physical and occupational therapists who are trained to help patients with BFR. 

Blood flow restriction therapy (BFR) strengthens muscles and prevents atrophy. Cuffs that restrict veins but allow partial arterial blood flow are placed on arms or legs during low-intensity exercises. The result is effectively gaining muscle strength and size without putting stress on joints or soft tissue. 

Please note: BFR is a complement to normal exercise utilized in therapy. There is no extra charge for BFR.

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Checklist on Prepping for Back Surgery

Having back surgery? Find out what you can do now to make your recovery go smoothly and learn other ways to prepare, including what to pack and bring along to the hospital.

Download the checklist