This Is the #1 Unexpected Sign You Need To See a Physical Therapist ASAP
Two people in physical therapy
If you injure yourself playing pickleball or after a fall, you might guess that some one-on-one time with a physical therapist is in your future. But PTs don’t just help people rehab from an injury; there are many other times when seeing one can be beneficial.
In fact, physical therapists say that many people wait too long to book an appointment—a mistake that can lead to pain or injury later. If you want to avoid both, here’s what to know.
Related: 8 Physical Therapist-Approved Exercises That Help With Knee Pain Fast
The Unexpected Sign That You Need To See a Physical Therapist
Dr. Kandis B. Daroski, PT, a physical therapist and women’s health clinical consultant at Hinge Health, says that one top reason why someone should see a physical therapist is because activities and tasks that used to be easy have become more difficult.
For example, if vacuuming, reaching for items on top shelves or walking your dog feels like it’s wearing on your body more than before, it’s a sign that something is likely off. This includes any ongoing aches and pains you’ve come to tolerate because they’re not “that bad.”
“Physical therapists can assess the body as a whole to better understand why you may be having discomfort and prescribe exercises to address the root of the problem,” Dr. Daroski says. “A physical therapist will evaluate your mobility, strength and coordination to determine the best blend of exercises to keep you moving and doing what you love.”
Related: Physical Therapists Want Ever Person Over 65 To Ty This Simple 5-Minute Routine for Hip Pain
Dr. RJ Williams, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and franchise regional consultant for FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, says that the reason why seeing a physical therapist can help is because they’re experts in movement and function, trained to know how different parts of the body work together. “While many doctors are trained to look at problems that occur in one system specifically, physical therapists must consider how they all interact to create movement,” he says. “Through this lens, a physical therapist can also optimize function, meaning any task you enjoy doing, there is a great chance they can help you perform it more efficiently, safer and over your entire lifespan.”
Other Times It Can Be Helpful To See a Physical Therapist
It can also be beneficial to see a PT for a general checkup. Dr. Williams explains that physical therapists can help identify parts of the body that are being worn down by overuse. “Just because you don’t have pain currently doesn’t negate the fact you still may be causing wear and tear excessively to some structures,” he says. “Going through a simple movement screen with a physical therapist may help identify hidden limitations you are compensating for with daily activities and help course-correct you from future early breakdown.”
Dr. Daroski agrees that a general checkup can be helpful—especially for people who work at a computer, which can negatively impact posture. “Most daily and work-related tasks put us in a position to sit or stand in a less-than-ideal posture. Over time, this can lead to certain muscle groups becoming tight or overstretched,” she says. “At first, you may not even notice but eventually, poor posture can lead to discomfort or pain. A physical therapist can perform an ergonomic assessment of your workspace and recommend a setup that will allow you to maintain the best possible posture. We can also share with you corrective or preventative exercises to combat any long-term effects of poor posture.”
Related: Tight Shoulders? 7 Physical Therapist-Approved Exercises Will Increase Mobility in No Time
If you find that you’re losing your balance more than you used to, Dr. Daroski says this is another time when it’s helpful to see a physical therapist. “We’ve all tripped and fallen a time or two in our lives, but if you are noticing a decrease in your overall stability or an increase in your falling, going to physical therapy can be game-changing,” she says, adding that falls are the number one cause of injury-related emergency department visits for adults 65 and older. “Through a combination of strength training and balance retraining, you can improve your overall stability and confidence in your balance.”
As you can see, there are many times when seeing a physical therapist can be beneficial—even if you aren’t rehabbing an injury. After all, you only have one body and it’s the only one you get. It’s important to take care of it as best you can.
Next up, check out these one-minute stretches for people 50 and older.
Sources
Dr. Kandis B. Daroski, PT, physical therapist and women’s health clinical consultant at Hinge Health
Dr. RJ Williams, PT, DPT, physical therapist and franchise regional consultant for FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers
