Call us for an appointment:
The Importance of Preventative Care With Physical Therapy
When pain strikes unexpectedly, it can affect every aspect of your life. That’s when it’s time to explore how physical therapy services can help. Whether you’re active in a sport and have suffered an injury, or are experiencing pain when moving through your normal activities, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms – and take care of them before they get worse.
Many people have been taught to ignore pain, work through it or to just “walk it off.” But when you postpone treatment, your problem can get worse. Pain causes your body to adjust and compensate in an effort to minimize discomfort – however, this can actually lead to more serious issues. Here are some examples:
• A runner experiencing knee pain may alter his gait, which could cause new injuries in the hip or back.
• A tennis player who feels her range of motion is declining may ignore the problem, hoping it will get better on its own. She may replace good form with improper mechanics, which can cause back or shoulder strain. And bad form can affect her success on the court, reducing her enjoyment of the game.
• An office worker who repeats the same motions day after day starts experiencing neck pain. He alters his seating arrangement to compensate, but ends up with pain across his shoulders.
• A gardener’s osteoarthritis pain is affecting her ability to bend and stretch during her regular chores. She chalks it up to growing older, and believes she has to live with the pain.
Each of these individuals can benefit from preventative care through physical therapy. Because pain can occur even when you’re taking good care of yourself and keeping fit, going through your normal daily activities, or simply playing with your kids or grandkids, it’s important to know how to handle the problem before it gets worse.
How Is Physical Therapy Used to Treat Pain?
If you’re experiencing discomfort anywhere in your body – your joints, low back, hips, neck, shoulders or knees – a physical therapist can help; especially when you seek treatment at the first sign of pain. Physical therapists are highly trained experts in body mechanics, who possess the education and skills to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pain. Physical therapy services include monitoring motor function, teaching proper form to prevent further injuries, and relieving pain without drugs or invasive procedures.
When you first meet with a physical therapist, your consultation will typically begin with a dialogue about your problem, along with a review of your daily activities and goals for treatment. Your physical therapist will assess your pain, range of motion, muscle strength and overall condition, and then develop a personalized treatment plan that will put you back on the road to wellness.
Physical Therapy Services Can Eliminate and Prevent Pain
Your physical therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve your pain fast – so you can start improving your muscle strength and return to your activities. Through a combination of manual therapies, such as mobilization and massage, and passive therapies, like heat, cold and electrical stimulation, your body will begin to heal itself.
By relieving the discomfort you’re feeling, your physical therapist can then help you start to strengthen muscles and increase your range of motion through stretching and conditioning exercises. You’ll learn proper form, so you lessen the chance of re-injury. And your physical therapist will coach you on how to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Soon, you’ll feel stronger and more empowered to take care of your health. And you’ll be able to return to work, the tennis court, the running trail or the garden without pain.
Personal Attention Helps You Recover From Pain
Remember, every individual is different. While you may experience the same type of pain as a friend or family member, the underlying causes could be completely different. In addition, you have your own habits as well as distinct patterns of movement and alignment, so your body will move differently. That’s why it’s important to be evaluated by a physical therapist who will personalize your treatment and address the source of your pain before it gets worse – or leads to even more debilitating problems.
Pain is not normal, and usually won’t go away on its own. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Fortunately, with preventive care through physical therapy, you don’t have to live with pain or let it affect your quality of life. And if you’re interested in exploring physical therapy treatment in Flathead Valley, Montana, you can get started for free!
A Free Physical Therapy Screening Can Be the First Step to Your Pain-Free Life
With physical therapy, you can soon be on your way to pain-free activities and better overall fitness. If you are seeking a qualified physical therapist in Montana, take advantage of a free health and injury screening from Professional Therapy Associates. The free health and injury screening, valued at $100, consists of a consultation with a licensed physical therapist to identify the source of your pain or limited function, and may also include strength, flexibility and functional testing.
Flathead Valley residents may call or register online for this free consultation from Professional Therapy Associates. Owner Blaine Stimac and his team of dedicated, skilled physical therapists are ready to help, and offer four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610).
Professional Therapy Associates Is Focused on Results
Taking care of yourself thorough preventative care with physical therapy means you no longer have to live with pain or limit your activities. Simply contact Professional Therapy Associates for your free personal consultation, and return to your favorite sports and activities pain-free. Find out more about the full range of services and free health and injury screening offered by Professional Therapy Associates by visiting http://www.ptflathead.com.