Is Physical Therapy Right For Me?
Who are physical therapists?
Physical Therapists are trained to find the biomechanical dysfunctions that cause pain and assess physical movements to make sure pain never occurs. In other words, as highly trained healthcare professionals (most have a Doctoral degree), physical therapists will examine you and make a treatment plan that will help you with flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance. First, this will help you “feel better” by reducing pain and swelling. Then, and more importantly, physical therapy will work to increase your flexibility, strength, and endurance to ensure the injury never happens again.
What do physical therapists treat?
Physical therapists treat most of the body parts that contain bones, joints, and muscles. We can reduce or eliminate pain; helping our patients return to the things they need and love to do. Our physical therapy programs are based on restoring function using evidence-based best practice and protocols. These programs are tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
There are many different reasons as to why one might see a physical therapist. You can either be referred by another medical professional or choose to see a physical therapist on your own behalf. Some common conditions a physical therapist can treat include acute injuries, chronic pain, post-surgical conditions, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the body, sports related injuries, women’s health conditions, and more.
When should I see a physical therapist?
You have a specific injury or surgery.
You are unable to perform activities due to pain, dysfunction, or body limitations.
You have no idea why something hurts.
Pain persists longer than three days.
The same body part is injured twice over a few week time period
The pain travels (i.e. lower back pain moves down your leg)
Why choose physical therapy?
Our physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who help our patients reduce pain, improve mobility and restore function. Our goal is to prevent expensive surgery and reduce the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.
At AzOPT, we teach you how to prevent and manage your condition to achieve long-term health benefits. We examine each patient individually and develop a personalized plan, using proven treatment techniques. In addition, we work with patients to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
PTs are highly educated musculoskeletal specialists.
PTs are able to treat the whole person, not just a single body part.
PTs not only do rehab after an injury, but also provide health and wellness programs.
PTs can design individualized programs to improve your health.
PTs often specialize in a variety of fields.
What can I expect at my physical therapy appointment?
First, an AzOPT licensed physical therapist will perform a complete physical evaluation to gather all relevant information, including a medical history, injury history, and current symptoms. This evaluation will most likely include a wide range of tests including, but not limited to, flexibility, range of motion measurements, joint integrity, and strength assessments. Based on this information, your physical therapist will determine a clinical diagnosis followed by a personalized treatment plan. This treatment plan consists of interventions such as exercise prescription, manual skills for pain relief and mobility, and patient education. You play an integral role in determining the best and most effective treatment plan for you. Physical therapy always focuses on you, the patient, to help achieve your goals, your optimal level of function, and your independence.
Still wondering if physical therapy is right for you? Schedule your complimentary assessment at one of the AZOPT locations. Our assessments are a 15 minute consultation performed by one of our licensed physical therapists to give you direction on the best course for action while explaining, in detail, your options. If you have been living with pain, discomfort, or an injury, #ChoosePT and take your first step to #LiveBetter with AZOPT!
