DIY Physical Therapy = Risky Rehab

You’ve just visited your orthopedist for pain affecting your knees, or hips, or back; maybe a sports injury, or a problem with balance and mobility. Perhaps you’ve just had surgery. The doctor has given you a prescription for physical therapy, but you’re thinking, “I’ll just watch a couple of videos, get some exercise bands, head to the gym, and recover on my own.”

Our physical therapist at The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center would like a word or two.

There’s a big difference between working with a trained, licensed, experienced physical therapist and DIY exercises procured via the internet. The easier, softer way just might make your recovery a lot longer and harder. Here’s why:

• Attempting to diagnose and treat yourself based on something you’ve read or watched online can be misleading and actually worsen your condition. Our physical therapist conducts a thorough evaluation that includes a hands-on examination plus a review of your medical history. It’s only then that we can pinpoint the root cause of your condition and create an effective treatment plan.

• We understand that there’s no "one-size-fits-all" approach to PT. That’s why we design a treatment program tailored to your specific needs, considering your age, medical history and fitness level. This means you’ll receive the most effective exercises for your condition, and that we’ll make continual adjustments as needed.

• Experimenting with unfamiliar exercises you’ve found online without proper instruction runs the risk of leading to bad form and creating new problems. Our physical therapist’s extensive training enables us to safely and effectively guide you through each exercise, minimizing the risk of further injury. 
• Rehabbing from an injury can be daunting. Our physical therapist acts as a motivator and coach to keep you “on the beam” throughout the process.

The internet’s a good source for many things. Physical therapy is not one of them. Leave it to the pros as The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center to guide you safely and effectively back to optimal health. Please contact us today for an appointment!