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.

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.