Patients Have a Choice

Patients Have a Choice in Physical Therapy

Navigating through the healthcare and insurance systems can be daunting. However, patients still have indisputable rights when it comes to choosing a physical therapist. That’s good news if you’ve been suffering with pain related to an auto or work accident, sports injury, osteoarthritis, or another cause, because chances are excellent that you can benefit from physical therapy treatment. Taking care of yourself means taking charge of your healthcare, so remember that regardless of which physician you see, you have a choice when it comes to physical therapy. In Missouri, the first step toward relief is obtaining a prescription from a physician.

Working Toward Direct Access to Physical Therapy in Missouri

While most states allow patients the freedom to access physical therapy services without a prescription, Missouri currently requires a physician’s prescription prior to seeing a physical therapist for treatment. This may help to foster collaboration between doctors and physical therapists, to the patients benefit. With no frustrating delays to get the treatment they need), patients can return to work and normal activities faster.

Physical therapists are highly skilled at evaluating and addressing the underlying cause of a patient’s discomfort. Eliminating physician referrals would allow patients to make decisions regarding their healthcare, and make the benefits of physical therapy accessible to more people. These are among the many reasons the Missouri Physical Therapy Association (MPTA) is backing amendments to current statutes to allow direct access to physical therapy services within the state. In the meantime, patients can take charge of their health and wellness by choosing a physical therapist and obtaining a prescription for treatment.

How Physical Therapy Works to Relieve Pain and Improve Mobility

Countless individuals experience lower back pain, lack of mobility, limited range of motion, or joint pain in their knees, shoulders, hips, and neck. Many have had total joint replacement surgery to correct chronic pain, while others are injured playing sports or on the job. Regardless of where their discomfort originated, they can all find fast and lasting relief through physical therapy treatment. And so can you.

What is a physical therapist’s preferred method of treating pain? Instead of subjecting patients to the expense and potential side effects of drugs or injections, physical therapists use drug-free, non-invasive treatments that address the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms and help the body heal itself. Through a variety of techniques and therapies, they can help relieve pain fast – and, in many cases, help patients avoid surgery.

Here are some of the techniques your physical therapist may employ in your treatment:

• Manual Therapy: A hands-on approach to treatment, manual therapy includes joint and soft tissue mobilization, manipulation, and massage.
• Therapeutic Exercises and Activities: An integral part of a physical therapy program, these specific body movements correct impairments from accidents or injuries, and improve strength, range of motion, mechanics, and flexibility to relieve pain and increase function.
• Education: An important aspect of physical therapy is educating patients about proper form, posture, and ergonomics for daily life and work activities. The result? Preventing future injuries, as well as helping patients achieve long-term wellness.

When you start physical therapy, you will receive a customized course of treatment, designed to relieve pain fast and return you to full function as quickly as possible. The number of sessions required to get results will vary, according to your specific diagnosis, condition, and goals.

Patients Have the Right to Choose Their Physical Therapist

If physical therapy treatment sounds like a good solution to your health problem, you’ll first need to see your physician for a physical therapy prescription. While your doctor may refer you to a specific clinic, you are under no obligation to go there – you have the right to choose the physical therapist that best meets your needs. You may wish to research your options prior to seeing your physician.

It’s also a good idea to review your health insurance plan. Most healthcare providers recognize the value of physical therapy services, and therefore include coverage in their policies. However, there are often limits to the number of covered visits. You may also have a deductible to meet, a co-pay toward the cost of treatment, or both. Be certain that your physical therapist is licensed to practice by the state, since most insurance coverage is strictly limited to services provided by licensed physical therapists. Empower yourself by learning exactly what your insurance plan covers before seeking treatment.

Choose the Caring Experts at the Sports and Physical Therapy Center

When you’re in pain and seeking relief, it’s reassuring to know you’re partnering with a highly regarded and reputable physical therapy clinic. If you’re researching your options for a physical therapy center in Eureka, Missouri, be sure to check out the Sports and Physical Therapy Center. Owner Sean Quinn and his team of licensed physical therapists provide a long list of effective services, along with an empathetic approach that gets results.

The professionalism and results achieved by the Sports and Physical Therapy Center makes it the clinic of choice for many St. Louis County physicians. Sean’s entire team works closely with your doctor to achieve your goals and return you to good health. Whether you’re suffering from a chronic condition such as osteoarthritis or multiple sclerosis, have a sports injury such as plantar fasciitis, or are experiencing limited mobility due to an auto or work accident, you’ll find relief through the caring experts at the Sports and Physical Therapy Center.

Are you ready to live a pain-free life again? Your first step on the road to wellness is seeing your doctor for a physical therapy prescription. If you have any questions regarding the services provided by the Sports and Physical Therapy Center, please call 636-938-4065. You may also learn more and view real patient results by visiting http://www.ptstl.com.