When it comes to taking care of your joints and muscles, physical therapists (PTs) are the experts you need. Their extensive training and expertise make them the best choice in healthcare for managing musculoskeletal health. Skip a step when your back (or knee) hurts and call a physical therapist first!
"If exercise could be packed into a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation." - Robert Butler, MD
I have a primary care physician. Why don't I just start there?
You absolutely can. But why start there, when 9 times out of 10, they are going to send you to a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment anyway? Save the phone call, time spent in the waiting room, and 10 minutes with the doctor and call a PT! Physical therapists go through rigorous education and training, earning a Doctorate-level education in the field of Physical Therapy (DPT). This degree typically takes three years of post-graduate education, where PTs learn all about anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and various therapeutic techniques. This includes the ability to identify when your back pain could be due to something that warrants a referral elsewhere. The good news: this is VERY rare!
But how are PTs able to tell without imaging or lab work?
One of the key roles of physical therapists in orthopedic primary care is their ability to identify serious conditions that may need further medical attention. Musculoskeletal pain can sometimes mimic more serious problems like fractures, infections, or systemic diseases, like cancer or cardiovascular disease. PTs are trained to spot warning signs, such as unexplained weight loss or night pain, which might require a referral to a physician. They also receive education about how certain medications can affect your ability to exercise.
At the same time, PTs are skilled at recognizing and treating common musculoskeletal pain. They use various tools, including patient history, physical exams, and sometimes diagnostic imaging, to make accurate diagnoses. This helps them create targeted treatment plans that address the root cause of your pain.
Differentiating serious conditions from musculoskeletal pain is what we do best, and if we think you NEED to see a doctor, then we will refer you that way!
Comprehensive and Personalized Care
Physical therapists provide comprehensive care that goes beyond just relieving symptoms. They focus on finding and fixing the underlying causes of your problems, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, and bad movement habits. Treatment plans are personalized to meet each patient's specific needs and may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and education.
Manual therapy techniques, like joint mobilizations and soft tissue manipulations, help restore normal movement and reduce pain. Therapeutic exercises are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance, which can enhance overall function and prevent future injuries. Patient education is a key part of physical therapy, giving you the knowledge and skills to manage your condition and maintain good musculoskeletal health.
Preventative and Maintenance Care
In addition to treating existing conditions, physical therapists play a crucial role in preventative care and health maintenance (just like your primary care doctor should!). They help you develop exercise programs that promote overall wellness and prevent future problems. This proactive approach is especially important for athletes, older adults, and people with physically demanding jobs.
Collaborative Care and Continuity
Physical therapists often work with other healthcare providers to ensure you get comprehensive care. This teamwork improves the quality of your treatment and leads to better outcomes. Here at ALTR Performance, we have the freedom (with your approval, of course) to discuss your plan with a personal trainer, coach, family member, nutritionist, primary care doctor, and/or surgeon. Whomever you want to be updated about your plan, we will reach out to on your behalf. Healthcare should be comprehensive and collaborative. We also can continue seeing you after you reach your goals in order to help you reach your wellness goals. Without the burdens of health insurance companies telling us what we can and cannot do, ALTR Performance can be the quarterback of your health and wellness journey. This is HEALTH-care.
So, the next time you develop low back pain, neck pain, or sprain your ankle, call a PT! Physical therapists are the best choice to manage your musculoskeletal health. Our physical therapists at ALTR Performance & Physical Therapy have extensive training in orthopedics, are trained to identify serious conditions, and are committed to comprehensive, personalized care. Whether you're dealing with an injury, managing a chronic condition, or looking for ways to prevent problems, a physical therapist can help you achieve optimal musculoskeletal health and improve your overall quality of life.
Let us be your first choice! Give us a call at (843) 595-1055 or Book Your Free 15-minute Phone Consultation now to speak with our very own Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist!