Physical therapy is not just for after surgery or after an injury. In fact, seeing a physical therapist early can actually prevent injuries and surgeries.
Physical therapists are movement specialists. They have extensive knowledge about how the body moves and can pick up on inefficient movement patterns that may be setting up your body for injury and pain.
A physical therapist can help you set up an exercise program at home that is specific to your goals and needs. A physical therapist will do a detailed assessment and will then be able to develop a program for you that addresses your specific weaknesses and limitations.
Do you have a goal of running a 5k or even a marathon? A physical therapist can help you develop a program to begin running with less risk of injury.
Physical therapy can also reduce the need for surgery in many cases.
A 2013 study of 351 patients with meniscal injury found no significant difference after 6 months between those who had surgery and those that had physical therapy alone.
Regarding back pain, a study in 2013 found no significant difference in long term outcome measures in those undergoing a fusion and those with non operative treatment including physical therapy.
A 2016 review of medical literature noted that conservative treatment such as ongoing exercise rehabilitation for rotator cuff tears is effective in 73-80 percent of patients, especially older patients.
In most states, including Michigan where I practice, you can see a physical therapist without a prescription or referral. Contact me for a free consultation to see if physical therapy is right for you.
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