With all the at-home remedies, internet how-tos, and natural cure-alls for nagging pain, people might skip over the idea of physical therapy in favor of an “easier” solution. That being said, “easier” isn’t always the best or most long-lasting solution, and you may want to take your pain to a licensed physical therapist.
Still not sold?
Keep reading to see the pros of physical therapy.
Physical therapy professionals strive to help patients relieve their pain safely, as well as educate patients on how to prevent injury in the future. Additionally, physical therapists are trained to teach patients how to recognize and manage serious pain, which are priceless long-term skills. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the role of a PT is to examine each individual and develop a customized plan using a variety of treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work to prevent the loss of mobility by developing unique fitness/wellness routines to improve an individual’s general lifestyle.
LIVING PAIN-FREE IS WORTH IT, SO TRY PHYSICAL THERAPY.
According to this study, “The patients who received physical therapy first were less likely to receive surgery and injections, and they made fewer specialists and emergency department visits within a year of primary consultation.” Which, if you look at the numbers, that means less astronomical medical bills and a more manageable day-to-day life.
For more on the financial benefits of physical therapy, consider the rising costs of general healthcare deductibles. If you’re seeing an ordinary physician, you’re probably paying a high price tag. According to this source, If covered by insurance, PT copays typically range from $20-$50 (depending on the insurance plan). Uninsured, the prices range from $50-$400 out of pocket per session, with the national average looking like $150. This will all vary based on the patient’s needs and potential treatment length, but it’s better than the cost of surgeries and countless follow-up appointments.
GET BACK TO OPTIMAL FUNCTIONING ASAP.
You’ve had enough. Enough pain, enough discomfort, and enough of passing on activities because of physical limitations. Nobody likes to feel uncomfortable, whether it be physically or mentally. That calls for action: making an appointment with a physical therapist. Say goodbye to general physicians prescribing painkilling medication that only temporarily solves the problem, and say hello to dedicated and customized care crafted by a physical therapy professional. While it’s not an overnight process, genuine healing and development will improve your quality of life.
Imagine waking up and not aching as you reach for the heating pad or acetaminophen. Or, standing up from a chair and not wincing in pain. Whatever it is that causes you physical pain, relieving that with physical therapy is indeed worth it.