Sometimes it’s hard to know just when to ask for help. Should you visit a physical therapist as soon as you experience pain during activity or should you wait till after a few weeks if the pain hasn’t subsided?
The answer to this question varies depending on your activity levels and goals, but there are a few tell-tale signs that you should seek the help of a professional.
How to Know When You Need PT
If any of the following signs ring true to you, you may want to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist:
1. Dull, recurring, chronic pain.
Physical therapists are trained to diagnose and treat issues related to pain by assessing movement quality and limitations. With this training, we can see beyond the area of pain and identify the source to help you manage ongoing discomfort through a variety of methods, such as manual therapy and functional exercise.
2. Diminished performance.
If your performance has worsened without any explanation, seeking a physical therapist could solve the puzzle. A physical therapist will look at your biomechanics and help point out any inefficiencies or deviations in your form that may be contributing to reduced muscle strength or function.
3. You don’t want to use medication to control symptoms.
While using NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) immediately after a surgery or injury can help with acute symptoms, long-term NSAID use has led to a nation-wide crisis with substance abuse. Physical therapists are uniquely situated to help with the opioid epidemic by assisting patients to manage pain without the use of medication. We utilize interventions such as mobility and strengthening activities, as well as manual therapy for pain relief.
4. You’ve sustained an injury.
After seeking appropriate immediate medical treatment, a physical therapist will help you begin your journey to rehabilitation. Early intervention often results in improved outcomes, so don’t wait to see a physical therapist!
If you’re on the fence about whether or not physical therapy is the right solution for you, it might be a good time to take stock of your condition and consider the benefits of seeing a PT. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your local SetPT therapist today!
