Most people think that physical therapy is just for the injured or the disabled.  But physical therapists do much more. We are medical movement specialists that make us more valuable and useful to the everyday health and fitness consumer.

One thing that has changed the role of physical therapists is direct access. Available in all 50 states, direct access is where a health consumer can see a physical therapist without a physician prescription. Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to physically evaluate, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and other types of problems in a variety of patient populations from infants to geriatrics.  They are also trained in the proper identification of more complex issues and proper referral to a physician or another medical professional. What makes them more valuable with direct access is that a visit to a physical therapist can help you avoid surgery and decrease medical costs in the long run.

With their training and skills, physical therapists can also address your sports and fitness issues, helping you increase your endurance and performance.  Physical therapists are trained to assess the body as a whole, identifying movement disorders or imbalances that may be overlooked during a visit to a primary care physician.  Movement screens and physical evaluations done by a physical therapist can reveal the performance deficits that may be preventing a client or patient from performing to their peak ability in their sport or recreational activity.  Not only will it improve performance, but it can also prevent injury through proactive exercise, manual techniques, and other treatment modalities.

A physical therapist, on average, spends more one-on-one time with a patient than the physician. At Par 5 Physical Therapy, we spend the entire session one-on-one with each patient.  Sessions are usually one hour in length. This increased time means more specific, individualized care and treatment. More time can equal better results in less visits, with a program that’s suited to your level of skill and abilities.

The next time you’re having a problem with your game, you can get back on track sooner and more effectively if you take a trip to see a movement specialist at Par 5 Physical Therapy.  We’re not just for injuries anymore.