When most people think of Physical Therapy, they think of going to a clinic several times a week after having an injury or surgery if their doctor recommends it. The field of Physical Therapy has been growing and progressing over the years, and therapists are continuing to learn new skills and techniques to help their patients. Physical Therapists have also progressed their knowledge in differential diagnosis so they can refer patients to the appropriate provider when needed. In fact, in both Ohio and Tennessee, patients can see a Physical Therapist without a referral from a physician. This can save patients both a lot of time and money. Physical Therapists can also treat a wide variety of diagnoses and issues, including neck and back pain, headaches, jaw (TMJ) pain, dizziness, balance deficits, and pelvic health (see the “services” page on our website for a full list of commonly treated diagnoses).

But Physical Therapy is not just for those who are currently suffering from an injury. Many individuals can benefit from Physical Therapy to keep their bodies healthy, especially those who participate in long distance running or biking races, Triathalons, or even a regular fitness program. Physical Therapists can evaluate movement patterns and find muscular imbalances that can place individuals at risk for injury. A Physical Therapist can teach you what type of exercises can benefit your overall health, how to correct movement patterns and improve body awareness, and ultimately decrease your risk for injury. There are also manual therapy techniques, such as taping, dry needling, and instrument assisted soft tissue massage, that can be beneficial before and after races and events. You don’t always have to see a Physical Therapist several times a week to benefit, and it may be worth an evaluation to simply get some tips and education on how to keep your body healthy!

Blog post written by Dr. Alexis Hutchison, PT, DPT, OCS