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OCTOBER IS PT MONTH 6 PHYSICAL THERAPY MYTHS BUSTED

October is Physical Therapy month where we celebrate all the things we love about our physical therapy profession and how it is an integral part of the healthcare system. This month we make an extra effort to encourage you to learn about the many benefits of physical therapy and staying active.

Though in the physical therapy world, we commonly hear misconceptions about what many people misinterpret about what we can do for our patients. Our medical knowledge, expertise, and manual techniques to reduce pain go well beyond “just” stretching. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) play a critical role in helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their physical activity goals, and improve their quality of life. So, in celebration of this month dedicated to us, we want to debunk 6 common myths about physical therapy:

1. I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL TO SEE A PT

One of the most common untruths is that you can only seek physical therapy treatment when your primary doctor refers you. However, through legislation called Direct Access, you can schedule an appointment with a physical therapist without a referral from your primary care provider with the majority of insurance providers. The benefits of Direct Access include faster treatment and potentially lower medical costs. Rather than paying a co-pay to see your doctor first, you can come to our clinic to begin receiving care right away.

2. ANY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL CAN DO PT

According to Move Forward PT, about 37 percent of people believe that any health care professional can perform physical therapy methods on patients. Yet, care can (and should) only be provided by a licensed therapist. Much of this confusion stems from the fact that physical therapists often have several certifications. At Elite, all of our clinicians have a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and are held to the highest standards of education and advanced certifications. Just a few of our combined specialties include Neuro-Developmental Certification (C/NDT), Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Manual Therapy Certification.

3. PHYSICAL THERAPY IS THE SAME AS MASSAGE

Physical therapists are well-versed in the biomechanics of the human body and can provide more in-depth care than muscle massage. While many of our manual therapy techniques involve kneading painful areas of the body, physical therapists can also become certified in specialty programs. For example, sports conditioning for strengthening, balance rehabilitation for safer movement, dry needling for reduce inflammation and quicker healing among many other science backed and results driven therapy techniques.

4. PHYSICAL THERAPY IS ONLY FOR INJURIES

While we certainly treat patients after a surgery or an accident that causes injury, physical therapists can and do treat so much more. From golf performance enhancement to chronic pain to stroke recovery to balance and gait issues, physical therapy is an all-encompassing field. At Elite Physical Therapy, we develop individualized care plans for every patient whether they have pain, mobility restriction or musculoskeletal issues…we help anyone who wants to live a healthier life!

5. SURGERY IS MORE EFFECTIVE

Depending on your injury or health condition, surgery may not be the only option you have for pain relief. In some cases, physical therapy is proven more effective to treat these symptoms. For example, back issues caused by degenerative disc disease and shoulder pain related to a rotator cuff tear can be relieved with physical therapy before surgery is needed. Consult with a physical therapist before you elect surgery to see which treatment method is best for you.

6. PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN’T HELP MY CONDITION

Physical therapists can treat more conditions than you may think!

Here are just a few different you may not have known that we treat with Physical Therapy:

Geriatric

•          Arthritis, Osteoarthritis

& Rheumatoid Arthritis

•          Alzheimer’s Disease

•          Balance

•          Fall Prevention

•          Gait

•          Back Pain

•          Osteopenia / Osteoporosis

•          Fibromyalgia

•          Dizziness

•          Incontinence

•          Debility and Generalized

Weakness

 

Neurological

•          Traumatic Brain Injury

•          Spinal Cord Injuries

•          Neuropathy

•          Stroke

•          Concussion

•          Alzheimer’s Disease / Dementia

•          Autism Spectrum Disorder

•          Balance

•          Cerebral Palsy

•          Guillain-Barre Syndrome

•          Headaches

•          Multiple Sclerosis

•          Parkinson’s Disease

•          Bell’s Palsy

•          Spondylosis

 

Amputations

•          Above Knee Amputation

•          Below Knee Amputation

•          Prosthetic Training

•          Residual Limb Care &

Pre-Prosthetic Training

•          Upper Extremity Amputations

 

Orthopedic

•          Pre & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation &

Wound Care (Incision)

•          Total Joint Replacements (Knee, Hip,

Shoulder, etc.)

•          Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Sprains,

Strains and Pain

•          Hip, Knee, Ankle and Groin/Pelvic Sprains,

Strains and Pain

•          Muscle Strains, Sprains and Tears

•          Bursitis (All Joints)

•          Tendonitis (all joints)

•          Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and

Rheumatoid Arthritis

•          Osteoporosis

•          Fibromyalgia

•          Bunion

•          Carpal / Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

•          Hernia

•          Shin Splints

•          Plantar Fasciitis

•          Compartment Syndrome

•          Patellar Instability

•          Medial Epicondylalgia

•          Lateral Epicondylalgia

•          TMJ – Temporomandibular

Joint Disorder

•          Running Injuries

•          Contact Sports Injuries

•          Throwing Injuries

•          Youth Sports Injuries

•          Turf Toe

Spine

•          Acute/Chronic Neck Pain

•          Acute/Chronic Back Pain

•          Degenerative Disc Pain

•          Stenosis

•          Stress Fractures

•          Hyper Kyphosis (Hunch Back)

•          Scoliosis

•          Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

•          Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

•          Facet Pain

•          Sciatica

•          Sacroiliac Pain

•          Degenerative Arthritis

•          Spinal Instability

•          Spinal Cord Injury

•          Spinal Muscular Atrophy

•          Spinal Stenosis

 

Pediatric

•          Youth Sports Injuries

•          Childhood Cancers

•          Developmental Coordination

Disorder

•          Developmental Delay

•          Blount’s Disease

•          Down Syndrome

•          Autism Spectrum Disorder

•          Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

•          Brachial Plexus Injury: Erb’s Palsy,

Klumpke’s Palsy

•          Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

•          Muscular Dystrophy

•          Cerebral Palsy

•          Prader-Willi Syndrome

•          Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

•          Osgood-Schlatter Disease

•          Spina Bifida

•          Torticollis

 

Occupational and Work-Related

•          Trauma

•          Repetitive Stress Injuries

•          Ergonomic Assessments

 

Cardiovascular/Pulmonary

•          Diabetes

•          COPD

•          Cardiac Rehab

•          Cystic Fibrosis

 

Vestibular

•          Balance

•          Dizziness

•          Fall Prevention

•          Vertigo

•          Meniere’s Disease

So don’t just think of your friends at Elite Physical Therapy in October during Physical Therapy Month. Remember us all year long when pain, mobility or injury is preventing you from living life to the fullest! We are here to help! Contact us today to schedule your individualized physical therapy assessment!

HAPPY PT MONTH! Now Get Moving!

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