Physical Therapy: Is it for me?
Physical therapy is described by Wikipedia as a health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention carried out by licensed physical therapists. In simple words, physical therapists get you moving. Our motto at Kethley Physical Therapy is “Keeping Dripping Springs Moving!”
When to see a PT? Anytime is the answer that I prefer although realistically with everyone’s busy lives and schedule, it will not be until some pain is present before you seek treatment.
Your body has 206 bones and 600+ muscles and with all its moving parts, sooner or later it will have some trouble. Pain is your body’s response to a movement dysfunction. PT’s are the best at discovering the source of the pain whether it be in your shoulder, back, knee, or any of the other 360 joints in your body.
How do I see a PT? In the state of Texas, physical therapists have direct access to evaluate anyone. However, we cannot treat you unless the plan of care is signed by a medical doctor. So it is best to go see your doctor and ask to go see a physical therapist.
We accept referrals from any medical doctor, dentist, surgeon, chiropractor, podiatrist, nurse practioner, and physician assistant. Your doctor will decide whether or not further diagnostics are necessary.
What does a PT do? After a complete evaluation, a physical therapist will discuss your goals and the treatment plan.
We use a combination of techniques consisting of pain reducing modalities (electrical stimulation, kinesiotaping, ultrasound, iontophoresis, parafin, ice/heat), therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education, gait training, mechanical traction, education, therapeutic activities, and/or manual therapy that may consist of joint manipulation/mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and nerve glides.
As you can see, physical therapist have a ton of resources at our fingertips to help keep you moving.
So the next time you are having foot pain from running too much, back pain from lifting wrong, or knee pain when you get up in the morning, go see your doctor and ask them for physical therapy. We can get your joints moving and help restore your prior level of function.