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How Physical Therapy Can Benefit You...even if you're not in pain

Are you working through back pain, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, hip pain, or some sort of exercise injury?
Have you ever been taught how to take care of your joints so you can recover better as you exercise or prevent arthritis from occurring or progressing as an aging human?
Does learning strategies to bulletproof your body for life or physical activity sound like it may benefit you?
Then, Physical Therapy might be for you!
Maybe you're not sure what physical therapy does or if it can help.
Maybe you've even tried PT before for your neck and shoulder pain and it didn't work so you don't think it can.
Maybe you're skeptical and think surgery and/or painkillers are the only option for your back pain, and maybe even your physician told you that.
Maybe you're working through some painful or stiff joints and you've been told to stop physical activity or exercise. That was probably not the answer you were looking for, but you just accepted it because...well...your doctor told you so.
Perhaps you don't know that there are much better and faster ways to gain mobility and relieve stiffness than traditional static stretching and that sometimes you can return to activity and/or exercise WAY more easily and with LESS discomfort as a result of having better positioning and mechanics to perform the activities you're just being told to stop doing.
Whatever your story is, as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I can help you find more physical freedom to do what you love to do.
Here's some things you might not know about physical therapy and what a physical therapist can do:
1. You can see a physical therapist directly, without having to see your physician first
These rules vary by state, but in the state of Virginia, where I practice out of the Hampton Roads area, you can go directly to a PT (direct access) for 30 days before requiring a physician to sign off on my plan of care.
Even less restrictive, if you've EVER been seen by a physician for any issue you want help with, then I can see you for the rest of your life if you really want to...
Many of my clients keep training with me on some level because I get them out of pain, but I'm also experienced as a movement teacher and trainer, so I can help them completely fix the issue and then work on performing better in their exercise routine or achieving their health and fitness goals.
2. A physical therapist is trained in differential diagnosis (what?)
This is a fancy term that means it's more cost effective to come see me first, because my knowledge base allows me to be able to know when you'll benefit from my services without painkillers, injections, surgeries, etc... OR when you really do need to go see a physician.
I can screen for red flag symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, recent rapid weight gain/loss without trying, night sweats, fevers, chills, general malaise (ill feeling)...
I can also recognize red flags (though I cannot write a script for imaging or make a diagnosis from it) on most imaging that would warrant further treatment or diagnosis by a physician.
This does NOT mean I'm trying to replace a physician, it means I'm different and I believe 95% of orthopedic issues can be solved without seeing your physician.
This actually benefits the physician because it means they don't have to waste THEIR time seeing movement related issues and can better use their time helping those that really need their knowledge and expertise.
What's more...most physicians don't know that much about exercise or nutrition, so they're really not the most qualified to give advice on those topics.
A physical therapist is an EXPERT on all things movement and exercise, from zero-to-hero levels.
NOTE: Not all PTs are the same though. Find a PT that is familiar with your primary concerns and has experience as both a trainer/movement teacher/coach AND as a rehabilitation professional.
Most don't know that Physical Therapists rank 2nd highest in knowledge of anatomy and how the body works, only under Orthopedic surgeons, who tend to be very specialized in their area of expertise.
3. A Physical Therapist can help a myriad of conditions, both simple and complex
Here are just a few of the conditions a PT can help:
Back pain, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, scoliosis, SI joint dysfunction, hip pain, trochanteric bursitis, femoral-acetabular impingement (hip impingement), knee pain, patellar tendinitis, runner's knee, jumper's knee, chondromalacia patella, meniscus tears, MCL / ACL / LCL sprains and tears, osteoarthritis of any joint, ankle sprains, achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, turf toe, neck pain, cervical disc displacement, tension headaches, shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears or tendonitis, shoulder impingement, shoulder labral tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain, golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), all forms of muscle/tendon/ligament injuries, general lack of flexibility/mobility, postural corrections, and more...
If you have any of those conditions, don't wait to reach out and get help. You don't have to live with that pain or feel limited in your ability to hit your goals.
If you're looking for relief or the ability to maintain your active lifestyle without reliance on injections, painkillers, and/or surgery, don't hesitate to reach out. Ask any questions by calling 757-529-0276 or email elizabeth@drbrewerpt.com and I'll get back to you.
If you need or want help NOW, you're in the Hampton Roads area click one of the links below to inquire about cost & availability or schedule a FREE Discovery Session if you'd like a bit more proof in person.
Choose which one works best for you: ASK ABOUT AVAILABILITY AND COST FREE 20 MIN DISCOVERY VISIT

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