10 Things Physical Therapists Want the World to Know
As you may have heard, Nice Healthcare is offering live, virtual physical therapy to our patients starting in 2021 and On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy (OSSPT) is helping us make it happen! Lisa Marais, one OSSPT’s subject experts, graciously volunteered to write this post for our patients and anyone who’s interested.
Many people have heard of physical therapy but might not totally understand who physical therapists are and what they do. Here are 10 things your Physical Therapists would like you to know…
Physical therapy is not just for your parents
Physical therapists (PTs) work with patients of all ages from infants to centenarians (say that fast 3 times!) One thing that many people do not realize is that PTs can help decrease the effects of – or even help prevent – chronic conditions such as diabetes, especially in people in the 20-40 age range group. Sadly, this group is also seeing a rise in the number of strokes suffered each year, but the good news is that PTs can help decrease this risk.
PT is not just for your marathon running brother-in-law
Many people think that PT is only for people who need to get back on their feet after a sports injury or a surgery. However, PTs help improve quality of life for patients with a wide range of ailments and issues - everything from high blood pressure and arthritis to getting back in shape after having a baby to tennis elbow and shoulder pain. Research shows physical therapy can even be more effective than medication or surgery in treating some conditions such as low back pain!
PTs earn those funny letters behind their names
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who have spent a lot of time in school and clinical rotations. You will typically see the letters ‘PT, DPT’ behind your therapist’s name. This stands for ‘Doctorate of Physical Therapy’ and represents hours and hours of undergraduate and graduate level study in the musculoskeletal system of the body as well as study of the effects of disease, exercise, nutrition, medications and stress on muscles and joints.
Physical Therapists are lifelong learners
PTs are required by law to take continuing education courses every year to maintain their licenses. Many PTs even go on to become specialists in areas such as orthopedics or cardiopulmonary therapy or certified in specialized treatment techniques (more letters behind their names!) PTs work hard to make sure that they know the most up to date research and the most effective ways to help their patients.
Physical therapists see things through a musculoskeletal lens
PTs are experts when it comes to understanding the role of muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons on decreased function or physical discomfort and pain. During a PT evaluation, your therapist will be looking carefully at how muscle weakness, decreased flexibility, joint stiffness or tendon irritation might be the cause of your pain. It’s a good idea to wear comfy clothes when meeting with your PT, you will be moving!
Physical Therapists consider all aspects of your health
One thing you will notice when you work with your PT is their interest in your daily routine, workstation set up, sleep habits and leisure activities (or maybe lack of them). PTs realize that your body does not exist in isolation but is influenced by the things you do every day. They are trained in helping patients understand and improve the lifestyle factors that are part of their issue.
It is true that ‘Motion is Lotion’
Yes, research shows that us that the right kind of movement is beneficial for increasing function, decreasing pain, lowering stress, and even improving your mood! PTs aim to get their patients moving so that they can enjoy these benefits by carefully putting together individualized plans of care and then monitoring patient progress to make sure the exercises and techniques they suggest are working to improve and not irritate symptoms.
And that ‘No Pain No Gain’ is like, so yesterday?
Right again! Research from the last 10 years has taught PTs a lot about pain, what causes it and what keeps it hanging around like the leftovers you forgot at the back of the fridge (you know, the ones that just get nastier over time). Importantly, we have learned that pain is your early warning system. PTs want you to know that listening to that warning and getting help as soon as you feel discomfort is the key to quickly and successfully preventing an issue from turning into an injury.
PT does not stand for ‘Pain and Torture’
People often think PTs are basically just Drill Sergeants or Personal Trainers. Not true. We do not have any interest in causing pain or humiliation or handing out time consuming routines to do at home. Your therapist WILL motivate you, push you to reach your limits, teach you tools to manage your issue and encourage you. Patients typically feel the positive effects of PT within the first few visits. If you are not progressing toward your goals, your PT will help you figure out why or refer you back to your Nice provider for further testing and other options.
But PTs do not have magic wands
PTs alone cannot reduce your symptoms. When working with patients, we often wish we had a magic wand to wave over an achy body part. Unfortunately, no one has invented this yet! However, PT can be highly successful when the patient and the therapist work together to build a treatment plan to meet the patient’s goals. When PTs are able to bring their specialized skills and knowledge to patients who bring a desire to improve and willingness to follow their PT’s recommendations, great things happen!