Physical therapy can play an essential role in treating a wide range of conditions. Whether you need rehabilitative treatment after a sports injury or you’re managing a chronic condition, physical therapy can offer effective solutions. PT can also help you maintain and improve your physical wellness, even if you aren’t currently dealing with any health issues. For example, athletes often use physical therapy to enhance their sports performance.
The Associated Press (AP) recently published an article titled “Physical therapy is ‘the best-kept secret in health care.’” The article focuses on how physical therapy is often overlooked and underestimated. Many people think of physical therapy as something you need only after an injury or surgery. The AP article explains that it can also be a powerful tool for general wellness and injury prevention.
In the article, leaders from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) discuss the future of PT. Some say regular physical therapy checkups should be as routine as dental visits. These visits can help identify movement issues, muscle imbalances and posture problems. Identifying these challenges before they become more serious can allow for early intervention. The insights in this article highlight common misconceptions about PT. They also reveal how industry leaders envision the future of treatment.
Key takeaways from “Physical therapy is ‘the best-kept secret in health care’”
- PT isn’t just for recovery — Physical therapists do more than help after injuries. They also offer strategies that can help prevent injuries from happening in the first place. Prevention takes many forms. For one person, prevention might center around identifying and changing poor movement patterns. For another person, prevention could involve an exercise plan made to strengthen weak muscles. By addressing small issues before they become serious, physical therapy can offer major benefits. It can help people avoid surgery, chronic pain and mobility problems later in life.
- You don’t need a referral — The article points out that in the United States, you can see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral. “I just don’t think the public knows they can go to a physical therapist without a physician’s referral,” the article quotes Sharon Dunn, the past president of the American Physical Therapy Association. No need for a referral means you don’t have to wait until your symptoms become urgent to seek help. You can take action now.
- PT can help anyone — Physical therapy can benefit people of all ages and lifestyles. With personalized plans, a physical therapist can build treatment tailored to your needs. If you’re a young athlete, you may benefit from performance and safety-oriented techniques. These could include treatments like compound movement training. If you’re an older adult concerned about falling, vestibular physical therapy can help improve your balance and coordination. If you have a chronic condition like arthritis, physical therapy can be key to long-term management. No matter your age or activity level, physical therapy is designed to help you move better and feel stronger.
REPAIR SI offers an array of evidence-based physical therapy treatments
You can experience the benefits of physical therapy firsthand at REPAIR SI. We offer treatment methods ranging from breathwork education to class IV laser therapy. Whether you need recovery support or just want to schedule a checkup, we’re here to help.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.