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So, why would you choose Physical Therapy for your ailments over orthopedists, pain management doctors or chiropractors?
I vividly remember going through years of Physical Therapy Graduate School and entering my practice fully expecting to “fix” everyone who came through our door. As I evolved as a clinician, I began to understand the full scope and complexity of the problems our patients face. And trust me, we as humans are complicated, and the solutions to our breakdowns aren’t always simple or straightforward. The “fix” may mean completely resolving ones symptoms and returning the body to a normal musculoskeletal/neuromuscular state. But it may be a bit more complicated and focus more on education, modification, compensation, and some level of restoration in order maximize functional mobility and improve their quality of life.
I typically categorize patients with orthopedic and neuromuscular problems into 2 distinct categories. Individuals with a relatively healthy, normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems, who just so happen to get injured. Those injuries can range from sprains and strains, to broken bones, or even herniated/bulging discs in their neck or low back. These individuals typically require Physical Therapy for proper guidance post-operatively or post injury, and they often recover fully. The second category is one that we see more frequently in our clinic. These are individuals who may already have degenerative changes, spinal/skeletal changes, biomechanical and postural abnormalities, and often years of improper form or habit. These individuals may come to our clinic with a specific and isolated site of pain, or a problem, however the evaluation, and course of treatment may be more comprehensive, and not only require addressing the body part in question, but also perhaps the adjacent joints, and maybe even the lumbar or cervical spine. Treatment plans for these individuals are more in-depth.
This is a big distinguishing factor between our profession and some others. We as Physical Therapists tend to look more globally at the whole picture. Not isolating to the site of the most obvious impairments and pain, but rather diving a little deeper to identify whether there are other contributing, or predominating factors. These factors can be things like limitations of the joints above or below the affected area, chronic degenerative changes, postural and habitual abnormalities, or lumbar or cervical spine factors just to name a few. Establishing a relationship with a patient and really understanding the history of their condition is key. Developing a plan of care that not only addresses the impairments that we as clinicians identify, but more importantly addressing the needs and goals of our clients will likely lead to a more engaged and satisfied client, with better overall outcomes. Please consider seeing your physical therapist as a primary point of contact for any musculoskeletal conditions you may have.
Dr. Moczerniuk is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and a member of American Physical Therapy Association. He is also an Associate Partner/Clinical Director of db OrthoPT – Manalapan and can be reached via email at jerry@dborthopt.com or by calling 732-462-2162.
