Knowing when to see a physical therapist isn’t always easy. Here are numerous times when you may just think you need to wait and let your body heal. Or you may be waiting for your doctor to recommend the process or surgery. In most cases, the best step is not to wait and instead to call for an appointment. Here’s what you need to know about that process.
Should You See a Physical Therapist?
You should consider seeing a physical therapist whenever you are dealing with a condition related to the musculoskeletal system. That includes the bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. If you’ve just suffered an injury, you’ll want to seek out medical care first from the local emergency room or urgent care. Start by following their recommendations to allow your body time to heal.
However, it’s not too soon to reach out to a physical therapist to learn a bit more about your options in receiving care, even early on. We’ll tell you what type of care is appropriate at any given point. You are not likely to be ready for care if you are experiencing signs like:
- Bones that have not yet healed
- Sudden, intense pain
- Excessive swelling
- Pain that worsens when you move it
- An inability to move the impacted area of your body
Once the healing process gets more underway, it’s time, then, to start your treatment. The good news is that you’ll receive outstanding care throughout the process, where you’ll be eased into the process. You don’t have to feel as though it’s too soon, and you’ll be hurt. With a highly trained therapist, they will not push you beyond what is safe for your body.
Common Reasons to See a Physical Therapist
As noted, any time you are struggling with any type of musculoskeletal injuries or limitations, it may be a good idea to set up a time to see a therapist. You really do not have to question when it is appropriate to do so. Here are some common reasons you should seek out this type of care.
- Before surgery: People who choose to participate in a physical therapy program both before and after their surgical experience actually returned to full functional strength faster than those who did not engage in any physical therapy.
- Surgery recovery: If you’ve had knee, shoulder, elbow, or other types of joint-focused surgeries, including replacements, seeking out physical therapy is a way to get the area functioning as it should again. You may also benefit when you’ve had surgery on ligaments and muscle tears.
- Strokes: Even a minor stroke can create physical mobility limitations. The sooner you get in to start on the physical therapy, the more likely you may be to regain some of those abilities back. This may include walking, using your arms and hands, and even just maneuvering safely.
- Pain management: One of the best reasons to see a physical therapist is when you are struggling with chronic pain. This is pain that does not seem to go away over time but can be debilitating to you. Therapists can create strategies to help alleviate the discomfort while also helping your body to relearn the proper way to move to avoid any additional damage.
- Balance and fall risks: Some people are at a higher risk of falls due to balance inconsistencies. This can happen after you’ve been in a hospital for a long time or after various medical conditions. Treatment can help you avoid falling.
- Other mobility limitations: If you have mobility concerns for other reasons, whether through living a sedentary lifestyle or being unable to function due to illness, a physical therapist may be able to help you.
These are just some examples of when to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. Remember, even if you are unsure about going to a physical therapist, you can reach out and ask for more insight.
Don’t Wait to See a Therapist or Doctor
If you’re hurt, you should get medical care. Even if it seems like a minor problem, if that concern makes it hard for you to live your life or your mobility is limited due to it, seeking medical care makes sense. But, who should you see?
Your Therapist
Turn to a therapist as you start to heal. You don’t want to put off getting this care because doing so puts you at risk for a variety of health complications. For example, if you have a surgery on your foot, your body and brain will naturally compensate for the injury, causing you to walk out of the norm, which can then lead to complications with your hips and spine. To avoid that, seek out a physical therapist that can help ensure you are moving properly.
Your Doctor
Turn to your local medical provider if you have a sudden injury that has any type of break or are unable to walk. Medical care like x-rays can provide insight into what’s occurred. Treatment for the underlying cause of your limitations can be the first step. You also want to turn to your doctor first if you are suffering from any type of infection or laceration. Get these areas healing as a first step.
Making an Appointment
Most of the time, you do not need an appointment to get in to see a physical therapist – and that’s true with Rock Valley Physical Therapy. You just need to call and set up an appointment time that works for you.
However, if you’ve just had surgery or are in the recovery process, we’ll work with your doctor to ensure you are not rushing into treatment too soon.
Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Services
Don’t wait to see a doctor for your needs. If you are unsure when to see a physical therapist, give our office at Rock Valley Physical Therapy a call. We’re happy to answer questions about how we may be able to help you. With our patient-first focus, we are committed to helping you to get the right level of care for your needs. Ask us, we’ll go the extra mile for you every time. Set up an appointment time to discuss your needs with us today.