October is National Physical Therapy Month! It’s a great time for us to remind you of a few ways that physical therapy can positively impact each generation in your family to reach their optimal health. From babies that need help reaching developmental milestones to thrive, young athletes dealing with injuries, adults suffering from pain, or seniors looking to make the most of their golden years, there’s something for everyone at MVPT Physical Therapy. Here are 5 ways that PT can be life changing!
Physical therapy helps prevent injuries
Physical therapists possess a unique knowledge of the body and understanding of the nature of injuries. With this in mind, your physical therapist can also proactively identify precursors to certain injuries based on your lifestyle, work duties, and recreational activities. Working with a physical therapist on weaknesses and imbalances is a proactive investment in your body!
Physical therapy helps you recover from injuries
The human body is complex. When injuries or surgeries sideline you from work, school, or recreation, don’t mistakenly assume rest and ice is all it takes to return to normal. Instead of hoping it will all be ok, choose to work with a physical therapist that can measure baselines of mobility and pain, and chart a course to recovery. Helping you reach your optimal health is at the core of what physical therapists do.
Physical therapy saves you money
A 2017 study conducted by the Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) studied costs associated with low back pain. Researchers found that not only is physical therapy less costly than injections or surgery in the short-term, “it’s an approach that is likely to save on treatment costs for at least a year after initial diagnosis, with average savings of 18% over treatments that begin with injections and 50% over treatments that begin with surgery.” Save money and avoid surgery? Yes, worthwhile for certain! Learn more about the study here.
Physical therapy helps you reduce the need for pain medications and opioids
Physical therapists understand the origins of pain and can educate you on the differences between acute pain and chronic pain. While there is certainly a time and place for pain medications in the recovery process, opioids are not the long-term solution. Opioids actually reduce the sensation of pain by interrupting pain signals to the brain. By simply interrupting the signal, the root of pain is not addressed. Physical therapists treat pain through movement, and partner with patients to improve or maintain their mobility and quality of life.
Your physical therapist is a partner for life
When was the last time you spent 30-45 minutes working one-on-one with any other member of your healthcare team? If a typical physical therapy treatment plan averages 12 visits, that equates to 9 hours of dedicated time working with your physical therapist. Furthermore, these medical professionals not only help you improve your pain and mobility now, they also give you the tools to maintain your newfound function into the future. That is powerful! Not to mention our physical therapists are also a lot of fun! Just see for yourself below!
No Excuses – Let’s Get Started Together!
Your physical therapist is a member of your medical team who will work alongside your referring provider to position you at the center of your care. Whether you are in pain and missing out on the activities you love, recovering from surgery or COVID and needing to rebuild strength, or simply looking to improve your function to achieve your health goals, MVPT Physical Therapy is here for you.
Call any MVPT Physical Therapy location to schedule or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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