Top 5 Reasons To Consider PT First for Pain!
When it comes to your well-being, aches and injuries can lead to changes in mood, decrease in motivation, and health complications. Depending on the severity of discomfort, it can be hard to execute daily activities, such as work, school, exercise, running errands, or socializing. However, there are simpler solutions than surgery. Studies show how choosing physical therapy for pain leads to long-term improvement and offers multiple benefits over other medical options, such as medication or surgery.
Top 5 reasons to consider physical therapy for pain first!
1. Receive Expert Care
Physical therapists are trained to examine and conservatively manage musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions. PTs are able to identify red flags that require immediate medical attention or evaluation by specialists.
2. Save Time
PCPs and orthopedic specialists will often refer patients to physical therapy as a first line treatment for pain or injury. But did you know that a referral or prescription is not required to see a physical therapist for the initial 2 weeks in Texas? Furthermore, seeking physical therapy within two weeks of an injury or onset of pain is associated with quicker recovery.
3. Save Money
Early physical therapy has been associated with less doctor’s visits, less surgeries and injections, and less opioid medication. A study conducted by Fritz et al. demonstrated that total medical costs for lower back pain were $2736.23 lower for patients receiving early physical therapy.
4. Avoid surgeries.
Patients that seek physical therapy for injuries or pain-related conditions often improve substantially with physical therapy in terms of overall pain and function. As a matter of fact, multiple studies found no significant difference in long-term outcomes for patients with low back degenerative disk disease (including pain, health status, satisfaction, or disability) regardless of whether the patient elected for fusion or nonoperative treatment.
5. Avoid pain medications
There is high quality evidence that exercise therapy reduces pain and improves both long term and short term function. As a matter of fact, the CDC recommends PT as an effective alternative to opioid medications.
Are you experiencing pain?
If you experience chronic pain or have suddenly acquired an injury, health condition, or onset pain, you might be wondering when it’s time to see a doctor. Pain should never keep you from your daily activities. If you notice any differences in your mood, physical ability, or productivity, talk to your physician about seeing a physical therapist.
About Physiologic Physical Therapy
At Physiologic Physical Therapy, we offer evidence-based, specialized treatment for various physiologic conditions. If you are having recurrent pain, discomfort, or issues with specific body parts, talk to your doctor about seeing a physical therapist. We help guide our patients through their physical therapy journey. Learn more about the services we provide at Physiologic Physical Therapy clinic in Aledo, TX.
