Many people put off physical therapy. They assume the pain will pass on its own, that PT is only for athletes, or that they need to be in a lot of pain before calling a clinic. Here are some common moments when it is worth asking a physical therapist or your doctor whether now is the time.
Pain That Has Lasted More Than a Week or Two
Some aches settle on their own. Pain that keeps hanging around, or that you are managing with pain relievers day after day, is worth getting assessed. Sciatica, lumbar sprains and strains, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis are among the conditions on the practice’s conditions page, and that page stresses finding the true source of a problem rather than only treating the symptoms.
After a Diagnosis, Before Things Get Worse
A diagnosis from your doctor, such as a herniated disc, a rotator cuff problem, patellofemoral pain, plantar fasciitis or osteoarthritis, is a natural point to ask whether physical therapy should be part of your plan.
Is PT the Right Step After Surgery?
Ask your surgeon. Post surgical spine and joint reconstruction is among the conditions Total Rehab Solutions treats, and pre and post operative rehabilitation is one of its services. Your surgeon and therapist can tell you when to start.
When Daily Activities Start to Change Because of Pain
Another sign is when pain starts changing your day. You skip the walk you used to take. You stop reaching overhead. You switch to slip on shoes because bending to tie laces hurts. If that sounds familiar, it is worth getting checked.
Balance Problems and Dizziness Are Signs Too
Physical therapy is not only for pain. Balance and dizziness disorders are among the conditions the practice treats, it has a balance and fall prevention program, and its vestibular clinic, Total Rehab Vestibular, is in Opelika. If you or a parent has started to feel unsteady, mention it to a doctor or physical therapist.
What About Work Related Injuries?
Total Rehab Solutions lists work related injuries among the conditions it treats and offers both private pay and insurance based therapy. If you were hurt at work, ask your employer and your doctor about the next steps.
You Do Not Have to Be in Severe Pain to Call
You do not need to be badly injured to see a physical therapist. The conditions the practice treats range from muscle strains and ligament sprains to chronic pain, nerve and neuromuscular conditions, and arthritis. An evaluation helps a therapist understand where the problem is coming from. The home page says “NO REFERRAL Required.”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in severe pain before I call a physical therapist?
No. Physical therapy covers a wide range of conditions, from a sprain to chronic back pain to recovery after surgery. You can ask for an evaluation at any stage.
Can I start PT without a referral from my doctor?
Yes. The home page says “NO REFERRAL Required,” so you can call or submit an appointment request directly.
How do I know if my problem is something PT can actually help with?
Physical therapists treat a broad range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and movement conditions, including back and hip pain, neck pain, shoulder and rotator cuff problems, knee and hip injuries, foot and ankle issues, balance and dizziness disorders, and work related injuries, among many others. If you are unsure whether your condition fits, a brief call to the clinic is the fastest way to find out.
Is it too soon to start PT right after surgery?
That is a question for your surgeon, who can tell you when therapy should begin after your procedure.
What if I am worried PT will hurt more than it helps?
That concern is understandable, especially when you are already in pain. Tell your therapist about it at your first visit, and ask them to explain your plan in plain language.
Sources
This article draws on the following pages.