How Physical Therapy Can Benefit You...Even If You're Not In Pain (PLUS 3 Things You Might Not Have Known About PT)

Do any of the following sound like you?

Are you working through back pain or knee pain, other joint stiffness, or some sort of sports injury?

Have you been exercising for years and feel like you keep hitting plateaus and you're not sure how to break through?

Were you never taught how to take care of your joints so you can recover better as an athlete or prevent arthritis from occurring or progressing as an aging human?

Does learning strategies to bulletproof your body for life or sport sound like it may benefit you?

Then, Physical Therapy* might be for you!
*or physiotherapy if you're of a more global mindset and want to sound cooler (I do!)

Maybe you're not sure what physical therapy does or if it can help.

Maybe you've even tried just about every orlando physical therapist for your neck and shoulder pain and it didn't work so you don't think it can.

Maybe you're skeptical and think surgery and/or painkillers are the only option for your back pain, and maybe even your physician told you that.

Maybe you're working through some painful or stiff joints and you've been told to stop running or CrossFitting. That was probably not the answer you were looking for, but you just accepted it because...well...your doctor told you so).

Perhaps you don't know that there are much better and faster ways to gain mobility and relieve stiffness than traditional static stretching and that sometimes you can hit PRs and nail goals WAY more easily as a result of having better positioning and mechanics to perform the activities you're just being told to stop doing.

Whatever your story is, as a movement specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy, I can help you find more physical freedom to do what you love to do.

Here are some things you might not know about physical therapy and what a physiotherapist can do:

1. You can see a physical therapist directly, without having to see your physician first

These rules vary by state, but in the state of Florida, where I practice out of the cities of Winter Park and Orlando, you can go directly to a PT (direct access) for 30 days before requiring a physician to sign off on my plan of care.

Even less restrictive, if you've EVER been seen by a physician for any issue with which you want help, then I can see you for the rest of your life if you really want...

In fact, many of my clients keep training with me on some level because I get them out of pain, but I'm also experienced as a movement teacher and trainer, so I can help them completely fix the issue and then work on performing better in their sport or achieving their health and fitness goals.

2. A physiotherapist is trained in differential diagnosis (what?)

This is a fancy term that means it's more cost effective to come see me first, because my knowledge base allows me to be able to know when you'll benefit from my services without painkillers, injections, surgeries, etc... OR when you really do need to go see a physician.

I can screen for red flag symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, recent rapid weight gain/loss without trying, night sweats, fevers, chills, general malaise (ill feeling) that may indicate something more serious than just muscle or joint aches and pains.

I can also recognize red flags (though I cannot write a script for imaging or make a diagnosis from it) on most imaging that would warrant further treatment or diagnosis by a physician.

This does NOT mean I'm trying to replace a physician, it means I'm different and I believe 95% of orthopedic issues can be solved without seeing your physician.

This actually benefits the physician as well because it means they don't have to waste THEIR time seeing movement related issues and can better use their time helping those that really need their knowledge and expertise.

What's more...most physicians don't know that much about exercise or nutrition because it is very very small portion of their training, so they're really not the most qualified to give advice on those topics unless they've done their own personal research.

A physical therapist is an EXPERT on all things movement and exercise, from zero-to-hero levels.

NOTE: Not all PTs are created the same. 

Find a PT that is familiar with your sport or activity and has experience as both a trainer/movement teacher/coach AND as a rehabilitation professional.

Most don't know that Physical Therapists rank 2nd highest in knowledge of anatomy and how the body works, only under Orthopedic surgeons, who tend to be very specialized in their area of expertise.

3. A Physical Therapist can help a myriad of conditions, both simple and complex

Here are just a few of the conditions a PT can help:

Back pain, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, scoliosis, SI joint dysfunction, hip pain, trochanteric bursitis, femoral-acetabular impingement (hip impingement), knee pain, patellar tendinitis, runner's knee, jumper's knee, chondromalacia patella, meniscus tears, MCL / ACL / LCL sprains and tears, osteoarthritis of any joint, ankle sprains, achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, turf toe, neck pain, cervical disc displacement, tension headaches, shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears or tendonitis, shoulder impingement, shoulder labral tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain, golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), sports injuries, all forms of muscle/tendon/ligament injuries, general lack of flexibility/mobility, postural corrections, and more...

If you have any of those conditions, don't wait to reach out and get help. You don't have to live with that pain or feel limited in your ability to hit your goals.

If you're looking for relief or a leg up on your competition, don't hesitate to reach out.

Ask any questions by calling 407-900-8721 or email brandon@orlandomovement.com and I'll get back to you.

If you need or want help NOW, you're in the Central Florida area and can make it to Winter Park, FL, fill out the super quick form below with some brief information and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours M-F.

Dr. Brandon