Did you know that direct access to physical therapy can lead to less days in pain? As you may have experienced, the longer pain is around, the longer it typically takes to go away. Traditionally, people “wait and see”, avoiding activity hoping the pain will go away. But when it does not, they begin a long slow process through the medical system. They will eventually arrive at the person who can help them, but only after weeks or months have passed from the start of the pain. Wouldn’t it be nice to bypass the system and get right to the solution?
Surely most folks would say YES.
But how does this work? Isn’t a referral necessary? Isn’t imaging needed to know what it is?
In most cases a referral is no longer necessary to access physical therapy services. The exception is Medicare beneficiaries, however, if a person has a good relationship with their physician, often a phone call can get a referral ordered. As for imaging, in the majority of cases it is not needed. In fact advanced imaging can potentially be more harmful than helpful.
How is imaging harmful?
The picture cannot be unseen. The body changes with age and as such age changes will be noted on advanced imaging. In too many instances these changes are spoken to the patient in a negative way such that the individual begins to feel more pain or experience more disability because the provider painted a dark picture. What is known from research is changes are normal and DO NOT directly relate to pain in most instances. This means that short of major trauma, advanced imaging is not recommended. It also means people should not push for them straight away – give conservative measures a try 1st and let the medical provider use sound clinical reasoning to determine when/if they are necessary.
So now that it is known referrals and imaging are not necessary, it is time to get down to business. Quickly seeking help for any muscle or joint injury is highly recommended. By quickly addressing small concerns, larger ones can be avoided. It is always easier to treat one small issue over three or four because a person limped around on a twisted ankle so long that now their knee, hip and back also hurt.
Have an ache, pain, injury, or concern?
All you have to do is call your favorite physical therapist and you could be on your way to feeling better as early as tomorrow.
Not sure if it is right for you? Click the following LINK to speak with a professional about your concerns and best treatment options.