Why You Should See a Physical Therapist

Why You Should See a Physical Therapist

We thought it timely to remind readers about the importance of physical therapy. Here are 5 (of the many) reasons you should work with a physical therapist.

1. PTs are highly educated musculoskeletal specialists.

Physical therapists are required to complete extensive training — and to earn at least a master’s degree, if not a doctorate — before applying for state licensure. PT programs require coursework in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, as well as multiple apprenticeships at physical therapy clinics. Even once a PT graduates and is licensed, the state requires continuing clinical education in order to maintain licensure.

2. PTs are able to treat the whole person, not just a single body part.

Because of their extensive musculoskeletal knowledge, PTs can evaluate your body as a whole. For example, knee pain could be related to weakness in your hip; back pain could be related to your general posture. This is why a physical therapist will do an evaluation of your entire body on your first visit, to assess not only where you feel pain, but the variety of factors that could cause it, and then create a specific treatment plan for your condition.

3. PTs not only do rehab after an injury, but also provide health and wellness programs.

As health care practitioners trained to help people recuperate from injury, physical therapists are uniquely prepared to help people live healthier lives. For example, many PTs offer nutrition and exercise programs through their clinics. The programs can be used to supplement the clinical treatment of a patient, like an arthritis sufferer who needs to lose weight to relieve joint pressure, or a client who is simply interested in living a healthier life. In the same vein, PT clinics offer such programs as wellness/fitness evaluations, strengthening and conditioning classes, and more.

4. PTs can design individualized programs to improve your health.

PTs have the knowledge to treat a variety of symptoms. The most common reason physical therapists are approached is pain relief, but they can also improve posture, body structure, circulation and function, as well as correct deformities and promote healing.

5. PTs often specialize in a variety of fields.

Chances are high that a physical therapist has specialized in a field of interest. While many work with specific types of athletes, others focus on general orthopedic concerns, or children, or seniors. Some PTs choose to do further study of particular health problems, work with cancer patients, help patients with Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis maintain their strength or grow stronger, or rehabilitate back to independence.

As we continue to fight obesity and improve health throughout our country, it is clear that physical therapists are key partners in living healthier lives. Their training and clinical expertise are essential to maintaining strength and moving forward in all walks of life.

---

For further reading:

Richman, Meryle. October 2011 is National Physical Therapy Month. Yorktown Patch, October 2, 2011.
Richman, Meryle. Living a healthier lifestyle. Yorktown Patch, August 30, 2011.
Slayback, Carrie Luger. My turn: Friends shine after physical therapy. Los Angeles Times, July 25, 2011.
Rachlin, Natalia. War wounds and tutus. Wall Street Journal, July 6, 2011.
About physical therapists. APTA, 2011.
Physical therapy eases burden of lymphedema. PennLive.com, November 2, 2010.
Hilton, Lisette. Aging frames: Baby Boomers visit PTs with musculoskeletal complaints. Today in PT, September 6, 2010.
Weinper, Michael. Physical therapists have what it takes: Meeting the health and fitness needs of Americans in challenging times. Impact, May 2010.
Rodriguez, Diana. Physical therapy after a stroke. Everyday Health, March 25, 2009.
Wiggin, Sally. Direct access can save patients time, money for physical therapy. WTAE Pittsburgh, March 9, 2009.