Why You Should Add One to Your Healthcare Team
By James B. Cox, PT, CEO, Therapy1One Rehabilitation Center
With health in sharp focus as a result of the pandemic, now may be a good time to look at the team of experts you have in place and see if there are any improvements you could make. You probably have a family doctor, dentist, and optometrist. Maybe you have some specialist physicians, a trainer, or a massage therapist. If a physical therapist isn’t a part of your healthcare team, you’re missing out on taking care of a big part of your health.
Physical Therapists help you perform everyday tasks
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines physical therapists as “health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.” So physical therapists help you do things that cause you trouble. That could be going for a hike, playing golf, household chores, playing with your kids or grandkids, or getting through a day of work without pain.
Physical Therapists reduce pain
Chronic pain is a huge problem worldwide. A big part of that is low back pain. Statistically, around 80% of people will have low back pain in their lifetimes. Physical therapists are trained to treat pain without surgery or medications. If you have back pain, an arthritic knee, neck pain, or an old injury that won’t go away, a physical therapist may be able to help.
Physical Therapists keep you healthy
The APTA goes on to say that “Physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness-oriented and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.” That means that a physical therapist can help you determine your risk for injury, choose the right exercise program, and improve the quality of your life by improving your health and ability to move.
Physical Therapists can help you live longer
It’s well known that the risk of many of the leading causes of death can be reduced by exercise. Some of these conditions would include heart disease, cancer, lung disease, diabetes, and stroke. By helping you move better with less pain, finding the right exercise program, and helping you to make healthy lifestyle choices, a physical therapist could help you live longer. Physical therapists are highly trained and possess a unique set of skills and expertise that can do a lot to improve your health and quality of life. If you don’t have one, consider adding one to your healthcare team!
Source: Private Practice Section, APTA Why You Need A Therapist On Your Healthcare Team
THERAPY1ONE Rehabilitations a leader in northwest Florida for outpatient rehabilitation. With two locations in northwest Florida, THERAPY1ONE offers the most experienced therapists, convenient and state of the art care available on the Gulf Coast.
THERAPY1ONE’s professional team of clinicians are committed to excellence in physical and occupational therapy, offering unparalleled care to help you feel better fast.
