Move Well to Live Well: The Benefits of Physical Therapy

Are you recovering from an injury, looking to enhance performance, or simply wanting to move pain-free? Enter the world of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy – a powerhouse duo designed to not only address injuries but to optimize your body’s movement and unleash your athletic potential. In this article, we’ll highlight the benefits of physical therapy and how it can be a game-changer for your overall physical well-being.

Physical Therapy First

Running the gauntlet of health coaches and fitness guru’s can be intimidating. Especially when each claim to have the silver-bullet for shedding weight, getting six-pack abs and boosting performance. While fitness experts may be able to get you on a plan, we recommend exercising caution when starting any new fitness journey. 

You might be asking yourself; Where do I start? What should I do? How do I do It? These questions get answered daily by physical therapists, trainers and guru’s alike. But what sets physical therapists apart is their inherent ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Physical Therapists possess a thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal system and cover a broad scope of conditions, including orthopedic, neurological and cardiopulmonary issues. 

It’s a common misconception that you have to be “injured” to see a Physical Therapist, but Physical Therapists handle preventative care as well. For example, if you are suffering from low-back pain or an injury and want to avoid surgery, a Physical Therapists can help accomplish this. 

Highlights of Physical Therapy Treatment:

The Patient-Centered Approach

In todays technological world, you can get health and exercise advice from nearly anyone, literally in the palm of your hand, anywhere in the world.  Yes, it’s convenient but not always specific to your body and your goals. Physical Therapists are inherently trained from a patient-centered approach, which then becomes a roadmap for providing treatment.

During the initial evaluation, our team of physical therapists will gather information about your prior medical history, including lifestyle habits, workplace ergonomics, and environmental factors. You will also undergo a series of functional movement patterns and screenings to identify impairments that may be contributing to your condition. 

Once your baselines have been established, our therapists will work with you to understand your goals. From picking up your 5-year-old granddaughter to training for your next marathon, physical therapists will design corrective exercise programs that prepare your body for the phases of strength building in the safest manner possible.

Financial-Value

Better Overall Value

A report was published in September 2023 by the American Physical Therapy Association to better understand the financial benefits that physical therapy provides. 

A national Health Interview Survey found that in 2019, 39% of American Adults suffered from back pain, with older adults, women, and those with lower incomes are more likely to experience it.”

Back Pain is the leading cause of work-loss days and work limitations and can result in patients seeking emergency care. Low back pain-related costs have risen faster than overall healthcare costs

The economic analysis conducted for this condition was done using a scientific study that examined the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy compared with usual primary care management for acute low back pain. 

The report demonstrates that choosing physical therapy early, over typical management of acute low back pain saves $4,160. 

The net savings of physical therapy was calculated for the following eight conditions:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: $39,533
  • Vascular Claudication: $24,125
  • Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): $10,739
  • Falls Prevention: $2,144
  • Stress Urinary Incontinence: $10,129
  • Osteoarthritis of the Knee: $13,981
  • Cancer Rehabilitation: $3,514
  • Low Back Pain: $4,160

Final Words

You may have heard the phrase, “health is wealth, and we couldn’t agree more. It is well-known that staying physically active improves physical health, increases energy levels, improves sleep, relieves stress and improves mental well-being. But, we are all human, and we’ll be the first ones to admit that staying active is not easy. It takes a time, dedication and effort to achieve.

If you’re looking to kick-off the new year with a new mindset, we would love to partner with you to help achieve your goals. Our team can help you say good-bye to nagging injuries and start living the lifestyle that you deserve. Contact us to get started!

In Good Health,

– The Salinas Team

References:

[1] https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/benefits-of-physical-therapy [last accessed 1/9/2024]

[2] Foundation Paper on “The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States – A Report From the American Physical Therapy Association. 9/2023.  https://www.valueofpt.com/globalassets/value-of-pt/economic_value_pt_u.s._report_from_apta-foundational_paper.pdf [last accessed 1/9/2024]

Disclaimer: The information provided on SalinasPT’s website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. We strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information. By using this website, you acknowledge that you assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided, and we disclaim all liability for any damages or consequences resulting from such actions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and treatment.