7 Things Your Physical Therapist Wants You To Know And Understand

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May 12, 2021

Physical therapy can be a transformative experience–if you are willing to embrace the journey toward healing and health.

As you prepare for your treatment, there are a few things that will help you to make the most of your time in PT.

Here are 7 things in particular that your physical therapist wants you to understand so you can enjoy the health and wellness that comes from experienced, compassionate, and tailored PT care.

1. Physical therapy is about healing, not pain.

Pain is one of the biggest reasons patients avoid physical therapy. Many believe that PT will increase their pain, both during the session itself and long after.

The reality, however, is that physical therapy is about healing your injury or illness, not about causing you more discomfort.

You can expect to work hard and experience fatigue and possibly some discomfort, but you should never experience ongoing or worsening pain.

That is why your physical therapist will carefully evaluate your needs, tailor a plan specifically for you, and monitor your pain levels throughout each of your sessions.

If you experience pain that does not subside quickly after you complete an exercise, or if you find that an exercise makes your problem worse, let your physical therapist know.

They can adjust your treatment plan to ensure that your exercises strengthen and heal, not exacerbate, your problem.

2. The right treatment program is one that is tailored to you.

Your body and your circumstances are unique to you. That is why no two treatment plans are exactly alike.

Even if you and another patient both come in for assistance after rotator cuff surgery, for example, you should each receive a separate treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Here at In Touch NYC, you can access the services of physical therapists with specialized expertise who tailor treatments specifically for you.

By choosing from an array of proven techniques and tools, they can craft a program that improves your personal journey toward health.

3. Successful PT requires participation from you.

Your physical therapist is a companion on the journey toward healing, but they cannot do the work for you. Only you can do the work necessary to get better.

That is why successful PT requires your active commitment and participation. Plan to be part of your treatment in the following ways:

Attend physical therapy regularly.
Follow your physical therapist’s instructions during each session.
Complete your at-home program faithfully.
Follow your ongoing plan of care after you leave PT

In addition, plan to communicate regularly with your PT. From communicating about scheduling needs to telling them about your pain levels to asking for assistance with understanding exercises, clear communication and participation in your treatment plan will give you the tools you need to heal from the inside out.

4. Physical therapy can prevent surgery and medication.

Chronic conditions, illness, and injury often have multiple potential treatments from which you can choose, including surgery and medication.

However, physical therapy is less invasive than surgery and has no side effects, unlike many medications. As a result, PT can serve as an appealing alternative to these approaches to healing.

Multiple studies have compared physical therapy and surgery as treatments for specific conditions, including certain types of back pain and meniscus tears, and have found that patients who receive physical therapy do just as well as those who receive surgery.

In addition, patients who begin physical therapy shortly after their diagnosis for certain conditions like back pain or knee pain were less likely to require opioids later on.

As a result, PT in some cases can help patients avoid invasive procedures like surgery, while also reducing pain and the need to rely upon medications like opioids to manage their conditions.

5. Successful physical therapy takes time.

While physical therapy can sometimes prevent surgery and medication, patients need to understand that this approach is not a quick fix.

You should not expect to experience healing after one or two PT visits. Instead, your PT treatment plan may require weeks or months of regular work, as well as ongoing exercises at home.

Even after you are discharged from physical therapy, you should expect to spend time engaging in maintenance exercises to keep your strength up and maintain the progress you have made.

With patience and participation, and the assistance of a compassionate and skilled physical therapist, you can heal from the inside out, achieving your goals and pursuing the life you desire.

6. Healing involves a lifestyle change.

Your physical therapist cares about improving your overall health, not just temporarily alleviating discomfort from an injury or illness.

That is why your PT will give you tools to create a lifestyle change that can sustain your journey to health over the long term.

Begin your treatment program in the confidence that you will be given

Tools to address the root cause of your pain and discomfort
Exercises to complete at home to encourage healing
Access to tools and techniques to help you heal from the inside out
Advice and support in implementing lifestyle changes and at-home exercise routines that support your overall health for years to come

You don’t just deserve to feel better–You deserve to be healthier, and our physical therapists will give you the tools and knowledge you need to do just that!

7. Insurance problems are not insurmountable.

Paying for physical therapy can make many patients nervous. Their insurance may only cover a certain number of visits, for example. Sometimes, patients may not know exactly what benefits their insurance does provide for physical therapy.

If this is you, do not avoid PT because you are concerned about paying for the treatment you need. Your physical therapy office can often work with you to determine your coverage and provide treatment that falls within your insurance benefits.

If you need physical therapy, then reach out to In Touch NYC. We are happy to help you get started on the path to health with compassionate, skilled physical therapy, pilates, and personal training that can improve your overall health. Our convenient NYC locations make it easier than ever to get the support you need to heal!