Maximize your movement
Pain-free or pain limited movement is crucial to your quality of life, your ability to earn a living, and your independence. Physical therapists are movement experts who can identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems increasing your activity levels at home and at work. If you are having pain turning your head, picking up the kids, mowing the lawn or even just sleeping, a PT can help get you back to living life.
Participate in your recovery
Physical therapists work collaboratively with their patients and clients. Treatment plans are designed for each person’s individual goals, challenges, and needs. There are many hurdles to overcome to become more active. Your own personal challenges are always integrated into making the best plan to reach your goals. Sometimes its financial; often there isn’t much time in your day; your energy levels could be holding you back. A PT will listen and help create the lifestyle change that YOU need.
Avoid opioids (pain medicine)
Opioid risks include depression, overdose, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. In some situations, dosed appropriately, prescription opioids are an appropriate part of medical treatment. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safe alternatives like physical therapy for most long-term pain. One of your main physical therapy goals will always include reducing the need for opioids and finding alternate pain control options. Time and time again, exercise has shown to be effective as pain control. See your physical therapist to create your exercise plan to reduce your opioid use.
Avoid surgery
Before you undergo expensive or invasive surgery, try physical therapy. For some conditions, including meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disk disease, treatment by a physical therapist has been found to be as effective as surgery. Even if you need surgery after a bout of PT, you will be stronger, more mobile, and ready for the recovery after surgery. Research shows that the best predictor of a successful knee or hip surgery is your outlook for life after surgery. With a few visits to a PT, you will have a much better understanding of your progression through healing after surgery. Maybe you can avoid that surgery if you try PT first. #ChoosePT