Life is full of various aches and pains, as well as injuries and illnesses. When something doesn’t feel right, it’s common to make an appointment with a doctor, but it gets more complicated when we ask ourselves, “When should I see a physical therapist.”
It can be confusing to understand whether that sore back or minor wrist injury needs to visit a physical therapist in Austin. Physical therapists (PTs) can, however, aid in preventing and treating further impairments, hasten the healing and recovery process, and assist you in returning to living a pain and discomfort-free life.
In this blog, we discuss important points that will help you navigate when to attend a physical therapist.
What is the right time for physical therapy?
People typically visit a physical therapist to address pain or a potential injury that prevents them from moving, performing their daily tasks, or exercising regularly.
Here are some reasons that will help you decide that now is the time to visit the physical therapist in Austin.
- Lingering pain
When you feel residual discomfort for too long, it is time to get in touch with a physical therapist.
Although it’s normal to experience pain or discomfort after working out or doing physical labor, you should consider seeing a physical therapist if the pain lasts for more than three days.
The same is true after an injury; sometimes, the symptoms go away with rest and a break from activities, but if not, schedule that visit.
- Dull and recurring pain
When is physical therapy needed? Any dull and recurring pain that lasts months or years and is caused by chronic or undiagnosed conditions.
People frequently “grow used to” the discomfort and agony, but a physical therapist in Austin may help you resolve the issue entirely and help you regain your mobility and freedom.
- Various traumas
Physical therapy is beneficial when recuperating from injuries and stress to muscles, bones, ligaments, etc.
Make an appointment with a physical therapist to discuss a personalized recovery plan once your initial treatment program is finished to ensure you heal appropriately and quickly.
- Medication doesn’t work.
When your painkillers don’t relieve your discomfort, and you’re still in pain, this is one of the indications that you might consider seeing a physical therapist.
Physical therapy can help you manage your pain and discomfort by addressing the underlying problem, even if it is a minor one.
- Changes in your body.
Nobody understands our bodies better than we do, so working with a physical therapist may be beneficial if you notice any apparent changes or suddenly suffer pain.
A few examples of the changes include a swollen wrist or knee, limited mobility, stiffness, trouble doing daily activities or workouts, etc. The sooner you make an appointment with a physical therapist in Austin, the faster a specialist can evaluate your problems and develop a personalized treatment strategy.
- Recovery
Physical therapy might aid in healing if you’re recovering from surgery or an injury.
These procedures include arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, microdiscectomy, and ACL reconstruction. How you approach the physical therapist will determine how long it takes to reach your goals and be in the best possible condition.
Overall, you can start seeing a physical therapist as soon as your doctor clears you for it, and it may take 2 to 12 months to reach your recovery goals, so don’t put it off!
- Noticeable or visible changes
Nobody is more familiar with your body than you are. Swelling, bruising, and other discolorations are examples of visible alterations.
Further alterations can include pain, of course, but also feelings of weakness, numbness, and tingling, as well as “hot/cold” sensations. If at the end of a day of training you notice your ankle is swollen, or if you can’t pull with your left arm as well as you can with your right when swimming, it’s likely that you’re going to cause an injury to get worse.
So, it is the best time to make an appointment with a physical therapist in Austin & get these changes checked out immediately.”
- Other reasons
While all the reasons mentioned above are legitimate, you do not need an injury, condition, or surgery to benefit from a visit with a physical therapist.
Additionally, they can assist you in developing an exercise program to enhance your health or resume safe and effective exercise by assessing your fitness level, mobility, and minor aches, and discomforts.
To feel as healthy as you can, it can be tremendously powerful to understand your body, how it functions, and how to improve.
Physical therapists in Austin will perform a comprehensive evaluation, suggest and teach exercises, and employ additional wellness modalities like massages.
Conclusion
At Medicine in Motion, we offer trained physical therapists in Austin. These professionals assist you in receiving the treatment you deserve. Visit our official website to learn more about our services.