After injury or surgery, it’s common for your primary care physician or specialist to refer you to go to physical therapy. This recommendation is typically to help you continue on your healing journey. The goal is for you to regain as much full function as possible in the affected area.
This is how we traditionally enter physical therapy. However, a physical therapist can help with various issues in many ways. You may not need a doctor’s referral to gain the benefits of physical therapy.
What Can Physical Therapy Help With?
While everyone, from the office worker to the athlete, the young to the elderly, can benefit, there are indicators of when you should go to physical therapy. You do not necessarily need to see a doctor or have a primary care visit beforehand.
Physical therapy helps maximize mobility, aid in chronic pain, prevent future issues, and improve physical function and fitness. Treatment for chronic pain and joint stiffness can give seniors a fuller, more active life. Those with vestibular problems (dizziness and vertigo) can get the relief they’ve been unable to find through medications.
You Are Experiencing Limited Mobility
It is a common misconception that you must have an apparent injury before seeing a physical therapist. But like any machine, our bodies can wear down over time. If any daily activity causes chronic pain and stiffness or affects your mobility, it is time to see a physical therapist.
We can even get used to the knee that hurts climbing the stairs or the aching shoulder at work, but you don’t have to. Day-to-day activities should not and do not have to cause you daily pain. Many people find lasting relief through physical therapy sessions.
You Have Chronic Pain and Stiffness
Whether it’s a couple of days to a couple of weeks or more, if you have ongoing pain, you should go to a physical therapist. It’s tough to explain to your kids or grandkids that you can’t throw a baseball with them. You can’t get down on the floor and make that puzzle with them. Even for young people, lingering effects of injuries or illness can be a roadblock to a satisfying lifestyle.
Not only can persistent pain be detrimental to your quality of daily life, but it could also cause secondary problems without treatment. A physical therapist can address the source of the issue and help relieve the situation.
You Have Limited Mobility or Want To Improve Performance
If you are having trouble moving any part of your body, physical therapy can help. Addressing strength, mobility, and flexibility through physical therapy can aid progress. This is most true for athletes looking to improve performance and prevent injury from overuse.
You may have elbow pain from tennis or tight hips from running. Regardless of the injury, you should work through exercises and a plan with a physical therapist to get back to your best performance.
You Are Recovering From Injury Or Surgery
The surgeon may have rectified the underlying problem, but you still have to reach your best recovery. Treatments and prescribed exercises from your physical therapist will make all the difference. We can help you recover quicker and more effectively while reducing pain. It can also build back your strength, flexibility, and function post-operation.
It’s Time To Go To Physical Therapy
Whatever the reason, we want to help you feel better physically. We realize that you have many options when it comes to choosing where to receive physical therapy treatment. Remember, you can see the same therapist for every appointment at Kinetic Physical Therapy. We value your business! Come for a visit soon!
