Physical Therapy

The Cedars-Sinai Orthopedic Center, in conjunction with Cedars-Sinai's Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, offers physical therapy for individuals with orthopedic diseases, disorders or injuries and those recovering from orthopedic surgery. Located in a newly renovated facility, this comprehensive program includes a rehabilitation gym, underwater treadmills and equipment for Pilates-based exercise.

The Clinical Staff

All rehabilitation services are provided by licensed physical therapists. Our staff includes clinical specialists certified by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as well as specialists in treating sports injuries, spinal disorders (surgical and nonsurgical), chronic pain and arthritis.

The program is also an APTA-accredited orthopedic physical therapy residency site in which all of our staff therapists receive ongoing clinical mentoring and education in advanced orthopedic physical therapy treatments.

Services Provided

After being referred for physical therapy, each Orthopedic Center patient receives a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed physical therapist. A treatment plan is developed based upon the recommendations from the referring doctor and the findings of the evaluation. The therapist maintains communication with the referring doctor on the patient's continued progress.

Treatment Goals

The program's goal is to help patients reach optimal levels of function and independence, allowing them to return to everyday activities. Our goals are to:

  • Decrease pain
  • Improve activities of daily living
  • Improve posture
  • Increase range of motion
  • Improve tolerance to work
  • Increase strength and endurance

Treatment Procedures

Our orthopedic experts use a wide variety of treatment procedures to help optimize function and help patients reach their personal goals. Treatment procedures may include:

  • Gait training
  • Pilates-based exercise
  • Proper posture and instruction in body mechanics
  • Range of motion and stretching
  • Soft tissue and joint mobilization
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Trunk stabilization

Modalities

A variety of therapeutic techniques are used to reduce muscle spasms, decrease inflammation and eliminate pain. These include:

  • Heat or ice pack
  • Iontophoresis
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS)
  • Ultrasound

Home Program

After surgery, patients are trained to carry on a therapeutic program at home. This physical therapy program is designed for patients individually by our licensed physical therapists.

Bridging the Gap Program

This is designed to help ease the transition from a hospital-based physical therapy program to a community fitness program.