The Vital Role of Physical Therapy: Seeking Early Intervention for Pain and Injury
In the vast landscape of health and wellness, finding the right approach to treat pain or injury can be challenging. There is no universal solution, but one practice stands out for its effectiveness in addressing pain and injury – Physical Therapy (PT). But the best way to ensure success is to start physical therapy as soon as possible.
Why you should seek PT early
Just like in other areas of health, timing is critical when it comes to managing pain. Studies show treating pain within the first six weeks of experiencing it leads to much better outcomes. That treatment can be self-guided, but many people are unsure of how to build a rehabilitation plan specific to their needs.
When you are in pain, a lot of questions are floating in your mind. Do you need an MRI? Is surgery the best option? How active can you be? When will the pain go away? If you are looking for a comprehensive plan, physical therapy should be your first stop.
Physical therapists are the among best providers for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. PTs are better than non-orthopedic physicians and nearly
equal to orthopedic surgeons in diagnostic accuracy. Concerning knowledge in managing musculoskeletal conditions, only orthopedists match physical therapists. While only physicians can provide surgery and medication, those treatments are often unnecessary and fail to deliver as good of outcomes as conservative care.
Physical therapists spend far more time with patients, allowing them to develop a personalized treatment strategy. Pairing early intervention with physical therapy leads to a combination of great results and lower costs. Physical therapists dramatically reduce the chances of needing surgery, imaging, and medication, according to several large research studies, saving you money.
How PTs help
When pain strikes, understanding its origin is the first step toward effective treatment. Physical therapists excel in diagnosing the root causes of pain, whether stemming from joints, nerves, muscles, or other structures. They will work with you to develop a personalized recovery plan.
Having a plan for full recovery and prevention is great, but what about the current pain? Physical therapists can use manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility. They can help you identify movement patterns and habits that build confidence in daily physical requirements. These approaches help you work towards long-term health and resilience without the side effects of medications and the risks of surgery.
There are some situations when medical intervention is necessary, but in most cases, conservative care is the superior option. If surgery is needed, physical therapy is the best option for guided recovery.
In the complex world of pain management and injury recovery, Physical Therapy emerges as a holistic and active approach to ensure lasting health. By prioritizing early intervention and addressing the root causes of pain, individuals can not only find relief but also build a foundation for a healthier and more resilient future.
Don’t treat pain with a diet-like strategy
Treating pain immediately improves your chances of recovery, but don’t stop once the pain goes away (or reduces to a manageable level). Whether you resolve your pain through self-treatment or physical therapy, taking care of your body never stops. Unfortunately, many people treat rehabilitation like a diet – once they hit their goal they stop the changes they made.
You may lose a bunch of weight by cutting calories, but if you go back to eating the way you did pre-diet, then the weight will slowly creep back up. The same is true for rehabilitation. If you don’t change your exercise, sleep, diet habits, or a combination of the three, you are likely to have a pain relapse or another injury.
This is why 69% of people who recover from low back pain have another episode within 12 months. You will find similar rates across many injuries and conditions. There is a reason for the initial pain episode. It is vital to treat both the symptoms and the root cause.
If you don’t enhance your body’s resilience and improve your recovery strategies, future injuries will be common. To be clear, complete injury and pain prevention is unrealistic. Life is unpredictable and despite our best efforts, pain and injury occur. We can’t always live with perfect health and wellness habits, nor do we want to. Having kids and enjoying the holidays are prime examples.
The goal is to limit the frequency of pain experiences and facilitate a quick recovery. Working with a physical therapist will set you up for short and long-term success.