At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we’re committed to combining hands-on expertise with the latest technology to help you move better, feel better, and live better. Our physical therapy department uses advanced treatment modalities to support recovery, reduce pain, and improve mobility, tailored to your specific condition and goals.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or rehabbing a sports injury, our advanced techniques are designed to support your recovery at every stage.
What Are Modern Physical Therapy Modalities?
Modern physical therapy modalities refer to evidence-based tools and technologies used to reduce pain, improve circulation, restore mobility, and accelerate the healing process. These techniques are often used alongside traditional physical therapy exercises to improve outcomes.
Let’s explore some of the leading-edge modalities we use here at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep into the soft tissues of your body. This non-invasive treatment can:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve blood flow
- Speed up tissue healing
- Break down scar tissue
It’s particularly effective for soft tissue injuries, tendonitis, and joint stiffness. Many patients describe the treatment as soothing, and sessions are typically quick and painless.
Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim)
E-stim (electrical stimulation) therapy uses controlled electrical impulses to target nerves and muscles. Depending on your condition, we may use it to:
- Relieve pain by blocking nerve signals
- Stimulate muscles after surgery or injury
- Reduce swelling
- Improve range of motion
This treatment is highly customizable and often used in the early stages of rehab to manage discomfort and prevent muscle atrophy.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique that uses thin, sterile needles inserted into trigger points which are tight bands of muscle that can cause pain and limit movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles.
Benefits of dry needling may include:
- Decreased muscle tightness
- Improved mobility and flexibility
- Reduced pain from overuse or injury
- Enhanced athletic performance
Our certified physical therapists perform this treatment with precision to ensure comfort and safety.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is more than just wrapping a joint. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we use state-of-the-art compression devices that deliver dynamic pressure to limbs, helping to:
- Improve circulation
- Decrease swelling and inflammation
- Speed up recovery between therapy sessions
- Prevent blood clots post-surgery
This modality is especially helpful for patients dealing with post-surgical swelling, lymphedema, or intense physical training.
Ready to Get Started?
Our team is committed to staying on the cutting edge of rehabilitation science. By combining modern physical therapy modalities with personalized care, we help our patients recover more efficiently and regain confidence in their movement.
Contact Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center in Charlottesville, VA, today to schedule your initial evaluation or learn more about how our modern physical therapy treatments can support your recovery.
Our Providers
The providers at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center are highly skilled and experienced in their respective specialties.
Patient Resources
Explore our Patient Resource center for helpful information about our expert team, comprehensive services, informative blog, and how to easily connect with us.
Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
Great place. The best group of people you could ask for. Knowledgeable and polite. #1
The entire staff was very pleasant and knowledgeable. Dr. Nielsen was very thorough in his findings and explained everything. At the end of the appointment, Dr. Nielsen wanted to make sure that I had no questions. Very happy that I chose Charlottesville Orthopedic Center.
I was able to get a same day appointment after every other place I called turned me away. In the end, I was glad I got turned away elsewhere because I can’t imagine any other practice being more caring and understanding.
