You’re in pain. You’re thinking, “This pain will go away on its own” or maybe you’re thinking “I’m getting older, aches and pains are normal”. The truth, you don’t have to bare through the pain. Over the counter pain medications and at home remedies might help you manage the pain in the short term, but wouldn’t you rather be rid of the discomfort once and for all? Not all injuries and issues of mobility need to be treated by a physical therapists, but a surprising amount of people who have problems that could be aided by physical therapy treatment, don’t think to get a consultation from a physical therapist. So how can you know when it’s a good idea to go and see a physical therapist?
1. Home pain relief isn’t working.
If after days of trying at home pain relief methods, you are still feeling pain. Be it a dull pain or an acute pain, if you have tried resting and icing the affected area for an adequate amount of time and still have not found any relief, that’s your cue to schedule a visit with a local health care provider. For some less serious injuries, Advil or Tylenol might be an effective solution. But, if after taking pain medication you find that it only puts a dent in the amount of pain that you are feeling or you are having to take pain medication for an extended amount of time to manage the pain, it’s probably a good idea to get a consultation.
2. Pain keeps coming back
If your pain goes away, but it keeps coming back after a longer period of time. If you are able to get rid of the pain you are feeling, you may believe that whatever injury you sustained was minor. However, if your pain comes back continuously, that may not be true. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if that pain you thought was gone has come back again, find out if there is anything a physical therapist can do for you.
3. Trouble performing everyday activities
If you’re having trouble performing normal day to day activities like walking, reaching, lifting and exercising. If you’re having pains so severe that they interfere with day to day life, or you find that you simply aren’t able to move the way you are supposed to, there is a good chance that you have something out of whack that can worsen with time. Whether your muscles or joints are the issue, physical therapy treatments can help prevent further damage to your body, and allow you to once again perform day to day activities with ease.
You might have believed that physical therapy is only for those who have undergone surgery or for those who have debilitating medical conditions, but physical therapy is a treatment option that can help with an expansive list of physical conditions. If you find yourself encountering any of the aforementioned issues, consider whether or not physical therapy is a good option for you.