What Is Physical Therapy?
Many have heard the term “physical therapy” before, but while you may be familiar with this practice by name, there are still misconceptions out there about what physical therapy actually is. Traditionally, physical therapy is thought of as a plan of treatment for those who have undergone surgery or professional athletes experiencing a career-altering injury. While physical therapists do treat this population, physical therapy is so much more! Physical therapy is a practice that looks to provide personalized care to patients who are looking to relieve pain, improve range of motion and strength and to get back to their previous level of function.
Tips From A PT: What You Need To Know About Direct Access
Have you ever heard of “direct access” physical therapy? No, you haven’t? Well, you’re in the right place. Even if you have heard of direct access, this will be a good review of what it is, how to use it, and when to use it. Let’s take a look.
Can Anyone Start Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is a great treatment to address aches and pains of varying kinds. It can be utilized for general discomfort or pain associated with surgery. PT is designed to help reduce pain and improve range of motion, strength, and overall function. Whether it’s your knee that has been hurting for decades or your back you tweaked shoveling snow, often, physical therapy can help. Let’s look at injuries physical therapy can treat and who exactly should start physical therapy.
Why You Should Choose PT First for Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common cause of pain and lost work time in the United States and is one of the most common reasons that patients seek healthcare, with the majority of patients choosing to visit their primary care physicians first. Primary care providers may prescribe medication, imaging, and specialist referral. Once the patient sees the specialist, they may be referred to physical therapy. However, current evidence shows that early access to physical therapy, particularly via direct access (direct access to physical therapy, without the need for a referral or prescription from your physician), has been shown to decrease healthcare costs overall and improve outcomes.
Chronic Pain May be Your Biggest Threat to a Good Night’s Sleep
Have you considered the link between your sleep and pain you may be experiencing? Recent research suggests that sleep and chronic pain are more closely linked than you might think. Not only does sleep deprivation affect your energy, concentration, and general health, it also can predict and even worsen your pain.
Shoulder Pain through the Decades of Life
Shoulder pain can be a cause for concern for adults or teenagers. Shoulder pain accounts for 16 percent of all musculoskeletal conditions. Some shoulder pain can be from an apparent injury or fall, while others can creep in with no known event. Based on one’s age, occupation, and previous sports participation, shoulder pain can often be broken down into predictable categories based on one’s age.
Do I Need a Prescription for Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy “helps people across their lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.” Receiving occupational therapy in Indiana however just got easier – read more below to find out how!
My Doctor Recommended Physical Therapy, Now What?
Physical therapy is a comprehensive treatment option performed by physical therapists and physical therapy assistants to address pain and functional limitation. There are many physicians and other health care providers who recommend physical therapy to their patients, but what happens after this recommendation is made? How do I choose a good physical therapist? How soon can physical therapy begin? Look no further, answers to all of these questions can be found right here.
