Orthopedic Library
Physical & Hand Therapy

Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.

Having surgery is never easy, but being ready at home can help reduce anxiety for the post-op experience and make you more comfortable after shoulder surgery.

Dry needling is a physical therapy technique that uses thin needles to help relieve muscle inflammation. The addition of electrical stimulation can increase blood flow for enhanced and prolonged pain relief.

Inflammation and pain is the body’s natural reaction to an injury. To ease that pain and help the body heal faster, is it better to use ice or heat?

Modeled from the centuries-old Chinese Gua Sha technique, the Graston Technique relies on a special stainless-steel tool and massage method to stimulate blood flow and promote healing.

Pain, burning, numbness or tingling in your hands? You may be suffering from a common condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Physical therapy is a key component of the healing process for many people. Though being patient through the therapy process and being diligent about sticking to a therapy plan may at times feel challenging, it pays off in the long run when it comes to recovery.

Our physical therapists at OrthoCarolina play a big role in rehabilitation, and PT is an important part of the work we do to help our patients maximize long-term health benefits. It’s is a way for patients to improve movement, manage pain and prevent or recover from injuries or other physical conditions.

Sitting in the carpool line to pick up your kids can drive your body crazy — literally.

Gilbert Hunter has always loved to paint…portraits to be specific. He’s retired now, but he’d like to get back to doing it more often. The brushstrokes created by his hand reveal the snapshots of his mind as his perspective takes shape on canvas.

Occupational therapy is a unique profession that works with people across the lifespan to help them engage in activities and occupations that are meaningful to them.

Tips for Athletes from a Physical Therapist to Increase Neuromuscular Control

Learn how to prevent hamstring injuries with these stretches from a Physical Therapist

Preparing Athletes to Return to the Field with OrthoCarolina Hickory Physical Therapy

You might know that physical therapy, also called “PT”, can help you recover from injury. But did you know that it can also help you manage specific conditions, restore function, encourage movement, and reduce or eliminate the need for medications and surgeries? 

You may already know that physical therapy primarily helps manage pain, increases mobility and muscle function, and gets your body back to how it was before injury.  Straight from our own physical therapists, here is what you should know about physical therapy.

OrthoCarolina, helping to keep your favorite team on the field. 

Whether it’s a simple cold pack, ice bath or a higher tech application, athletes are always looking for the latest and greatest tool to aid recovery and minimize downtime between intense training sessions.