Chances are, you’ve heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, or maybe you’re experiencing it yourself. That familiar tingling or numbness in your fingers, the wrist pain that flares up at the keyboard, or the hand that suddenly feels weak and clumsy? That’s not something to brush off. It could be carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and if left untreated, it can lead to chronic discomfort or even long-term nerve damage.

The good news? You can often manage and recover from carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery, and physical therapy plays a major role.

Orthopedic physical therapy (PT) might sound like something only athletes or post-surgical patients need, but the truth is that almost everyone can benefit from it at some point in their lives.

If you’ve ever dealt with joint pain, muscle strains, limited mobility, or injuries from daily life, workouts, or accidents, then orthopedic PT is designed for you.

Let’s break down what orthopedic physical therapy actually is, what conditions it treats, and when you should consider seeing a PT.

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, yet many find themselves facing a maze of treatment options, from surgery to medications, that may not address the root of the problem. Fortunately, a growing body of academic research supports conservative care methods that focus on active self-management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications as safe and effective alternatives.

Recovering from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscus injuries can be a challenging journey, but with the right approach, you can return to your activities stronger than ever. Physical therapy plays a critical role in the recovery process, and there are also steps you can take independently to aid your rehabilitation. At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we specialize in personalized care that supports you every step of the way. Here's how you can recover faster and stronger.

At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we often hear from patients who are unsure about the difference between simply managing pain and truly getting back to their best. Today, we’ll break down two key approaches in physical therapy (symptom management and functional recovery) and explain why our focus on long-term gains and real functionality sets us apart.

Physical therapy, often abbreviated as PT, is a branch of healthcare aimed at promoting, restoring, and maintaining physical function and mobility. It encompasses a wide range of treatments and interventions designed to address injuries, disabilities, chronic conditions, and movement impairments. Physical therapists, also known as PTs, are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in delivering personalized care to individuals of all ages.