When Should I Schedule a Free Assessment?

At any one time, 30 percent of American adults are affected by joint pain, swelling or limitation of movement. Musculoskeletal conditions like these are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability.¹

Oftentimes the recovery process for these types of injuries can be expedited when treatment is started early. The challenge, however, is that many people “tough it out” for a while before seeking treatment, with the expectation that time will heal the pain eventually. Instead of waiting it out, you can take control of your health by scheduling an appointment for a free assessment. You can schedule an appointment to be seen by one of our experts at a nearby Athletico clinic or virtually through online video chat.

What is a free assessment?

A free assessment is performed by a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist or athletic trainer.

The assessment typically lasts 30 minutes, with the healthcare professional taking a subjective report of your musculoskeletal complaints, as well as assessing your movement and strength impairments. You will then receive a plan that provides information about the injury/condition and next steps for the recovery process.

When can a Free Assessment be scheduled?

The goal of a free assessment is to provide patients with peace of mind and get the recovery process started before the injury/condition becomes worse. An assessment should be scheduled when unusual pain or discomfort is noticed, including the three common circumstances outlined below:

• Everyday activities become challenging – whether your job involves carrying heavy objects or sitting at a desk, sudden or gradual discomfort due to muscle soreness or pain is a warning sign that you should consider getting checked out by a professional.
  

• A nagging injury won’t go away – Are you a runner who is experiencing knee or ankle pain? If soreness from a sport or exercise lasts longer than one week, it may be time to make an appointment to ensure the injury is healing properly.
  

• Seasonal pain occurs – Many people are less active during the winter months, and lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle are among the most common causes of back pain. A physical therapist can help assess any discomfort and provide you with more information.

Take the first step.

By scheduling a free assessment, you can take the first step in making sure your injury heals properly. Appointments at Athletico are setup within 24-48 hours of the initial request. Click the button below to schedule your appointment today!

Schedule a Free Assessment

The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.

References:
1. Woolf, Anthony D., and Bruce Pfleger. “Burden of Major Musculoskeletal Conditions.”World Health Organization. N.p., 2003. Web. 7 Feb. 2017. <http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/81/9/Woolf.pdf>.