Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Getting people moving and keeping them active is the key to health care. But there are so many illnesses and injuries that can prevent people from being active; from simple sprains and strains of ligaments and muscles, to arthritis, back pain, and to medical problems such as neurologic conditions, heart, or lung disease and vertigo. Physical therapy can be the key that can unlock your health!
Physical Therapists are highly trained professionals that offer non-surgical interventions that can be very effective in reducing or eliminating pain, improving function and mobility, and decreasing the need for medications and regular injections.
Movement is essential for all of us. It helps to reduce obesity and improve metabolism. It is also essential for focus and attention; movement helps decrease depression and improve mood and energy.
Movement also plays a role in maintaining your balance system and independence. By simply walking every day you can reduce your chance of a stroke or heart attack. Physical therapy can also play an integral role in treating many common conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, knee and shoulder joint dysfunction. For example, in many cases surgery can be avoided and medication usage can be significantly reduced with the role of focused physical therapy. This can lower the cost of health care, as well as the side effects of narcotic and anti inflammatory medications (nausea, constipation, lethargy, confusion to name a few!).
Possibly one of the most important aspects of physical therapy is that it lets the patient play a key role in their health and recovery. Having a patient centered plan that is designed and created just for you can be empowering and can be essential in eliminating any roadblocks to recovery.
So what is a physical therapist, and what can they do?
Physical Therapists are educated professionals that have completed an undergraduate college degree and either a Master’s or Doctorate degree program in Physical Therapy. Here at Palm Coast Physical Therapy, you will solely be treated by a doctor of physical therapy.
With their extensive knowledge they are an integral component in the health care team, helping to diagnose and examine patients and outlining a treatment plan to limit or eliminate conditions that effect a patient’s ability to move and function. They may create a home exercise program and in many cases may provide a spinal reconditioning and rehabilitation program.
Treatment plans may include soft tissue massage and manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, functional training, gait and balance intervention, and proper posturing and body mechanics. We also create a home exercise program and provide a spinal reconditioning and rehabilitation program according to our patients needs.
Common Myths About Physical Therapy
Myth 1: Physical Therapy is going to hurt. A study shows that 71% of people that have not had therapy believe this.
FACT: The goal of a physical therapist is to eliminate pain and return patients to maximal function.
Myth 2: You should only have physical therapy if you have had an accident or are injured.
FACT: Therapists are expertly trained to evaluate and correct problems before they become serious. They can diagnose and manage disorders including, neck and low back pain, headaches, shoulder problems, balance and dizziness, foot and heel pain just to name a few. AND, they can also treat and strengthen muscles and tendons and ligaments after an injury or trauma.
Myth 3: Physical Therapy is not covered by insurance.
FACT: Therapy is almost always covered by insurance. Sometimes there are insurance limits and this has to be checked with each policy. However, therapy can often be extremely cost-effective; it can reduce the need for medications, it can reduce the need for imaging and surgery. Our clinic will also work individually with those who do not have insurance and/or those who have high copays and deductibles. It may also be effective in reducing falls, thereby reducing additional complications from injuries. It may also be effective in reducing falls, thereby reducing additional injuries.
Myth 4: Surgery is necessary, and it is my only option.
FACT: Physical Therapy can often be as effective as surgery when treating a number of specific conditions. This can include spinal conditions and degenerative disc disease, rotator cuff shoulder injuries, and even meniscal tears in the knee.
Myth 5 : I can do physical therapy myself, I don’t need a licensed therapist.
FACT: While it is true that the patient has to do the exercises, it is only possible to reach your maximum potential for recovery with an expert, individualized treatment plan.
Palm Coast Physical Therapy
(239) 430-0123
www.palmcoastphysicaltherapy.com
3425 10th Street North, Suite 4
Naples, FL 34103
