This idea of an annual physical therapy exam could eventually become a reality. The healthcare community has discussed the concept of these exams for years. However, it has yet to take hold. Why is that? Simply put….MONEY. Who is going to pay, an insurance company or the individual?

Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, from the University of Washington in St. Louis, has been pushing this concept for years. A stalwart in the Physical Therapy profession for decades, she sees these exams as a way to keep the body healthy by preventing smaller issues from becoming major issues. She likens these exams to individuals seeing their MD yearly for a physical or dentist to keep the teeth healthy. Intuitively, this should make sense. Our musculoskeletal system can just as easily be tuned up.

In a recent interview, Dr. Sahrmann discussed how posture, gait (walking) and ergonomics all play a substantial role in injuries and their prevention. Most individuals are completely unaware of their limitations in posture, strength, flexibility, etc. Consequently, most are unable to address what they do not know. Insert an annual musculoskeletal exam by a Physical Therapist, and now the individual will learn their areas to improve for prevention. Physical Therapy should not just be reserved solely for those injured, but also for injury prevention AND improving quality of life.

Referring back to the whole cost issue again, Dr. Sahrmann points out that the cost of these exams could be very similar to the cost of an annual dental exam as many dental procedures are not covered by insurance. Thus, a once yearly fee to discover ways to remain healthy should be well worth the expense. From a common sense perspective, one can pay a little now for the check up, or a ton later because their small issues go on to become larger ones that require visits to doctors, potentially expensive diagnostic procedures, multiple prescription medications, and finally on to PT in the hope of avoiding an expensive surgery. So, if we look at it in this manner… why not visit the Physical Therapist for an exam?

This can be done right now if an individual chooses to do so. Physical Therapists are ready and willing to perform these exams. If you feel strongly that health insurance plans should begin to cover these assessments then contact your health insurance company and your Congressmen about this issue. Change will not happen unless the people push for it, so please do so.

If you are interested in this type of service, but not sure who to see, read HERE for more information on how to select the best physical therapist for you.