Signs It’s Time to Go See a Physical Therapist

One of the most common issues we see is when a patient comes in for an appointment related to pain, but the damage is already way past the point of being a simple solution. Just like with a lot of medical conditions, the secret to success is in early detection and effective treatment. But, while experiencing a traumatic injury makes it a bit obvious, how do you know when a more chronic, acute situation is something that should be cause for concern? We’re here to help!

The Pain is Persistent

Persistently present pain might make for some wonderful alliteration, but it doesn’t make for a good situation for your skeletal/muscular health. The health experts at Peconic Bay Medical Center put it very simply by saying, “If it still hurts after three days, it’s time to make an appointment to see a physical therapist.” The longer you wait, the more complicated and costly (we’re on fire with the alliteration today) the solution might become. Sooner is always better when it comes to your health.

You Have Surgery Coming Up

Many people look at physical therapy as something that is needed after undergoing surgery. However, there are many benefits to seeing a physical therapist before you go under the knife. In fact, according to Spooner Physical Therapy, “Working with a physical therapist before surgery, referred to as pre-habilitation, is beneficial in preparing your body for the procedure you are about to endure. Prehab has been shown to help increase surgical outcomes, shorten hospital stays, and avoid high-risk side effects from surgery.” Going to see a physical therapist before your procedure will set you up for the best possible scenario for recovery.

Difficulty Standing Up Straight

One of the worst things you can do is mistake dizziness and vertigo for run-of-the-mill symptoms of life. Early detection and treatment through a professional physical therapist can be one of the quickest solutions when it comes to those who are experiencing these symptoms. Kinetix Physical Therapy echoes this point by saying, “A physical therapist is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV and can prescribe a range of treatments that will alleviate this uncomfortable sensation, including the Eply’s maneuver and gaze stabilization exercises. In many cases, people with BPPV experience near-complete resolution of their symptoms after just one or two sessions!” If you are experiencing difficulty maintaining your balance and standing up straight, don’t wait to make an appointment with your local physical therapist. 

Beware of Dull Pain

Another common misconception is that if a pain is manageable or not sharp, it’s not a cause for alarm. In fact, the opposite is typically true. Don’t get us wrong. Sharp pain isn’t exactly good either and should equally alert you to the need for professional treatment. However, dull pain can be a silent killer when it comes to the health of your bones and muscles. The Central Orthopedic Group notes, “Dull and lingering pain can be a warning sign of chronic pain conditions that could worsen over time. Your physical therapist will be able to diagnose your pain at its source and work with you to prevent any future problems.” Pain of all kinds should be treated by a physical therapist as soon as possible. Don’t mistake dull pain for no big deal.

 

If any of these sound like things you are currently experiencing, we welcome you to stop by our office at Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic. Dr. Hartle would be more than happy to get you on the path toward feeling better as soon as possible.