Physical Therapy Denver, CO

Many people never consider the top option that can help eliminate pain and make them feel better. What is it? Physical therapy in Denver. Physical therapy has such a wide range of benefits, it’s hard to even begin where to start! Learn more about the benefits of physical therapy through this debunking of some of the most common misconceptions. 

Physical Therapy is Only for Injured People

While physical therapy is extremely beneficial for those recovering from surgery or an injury, that’s not the only reason a person may need to go to one. Physical therapists will help you avoid injuries at work, school, playing sports or anything in your daily life. Going to a physical therapist even just once a year, similar to your annual routine health exams, is a great way to continue good health practices. Physical therapists focus on movement. They will identify incorrect movements that can lead to injuries or pain down the road and help you correct. This will also make you stronger and perform at your best in any situation. 

Referrals Are Mandatory 

While in some states you may need a referral to see a physical therapist, it’s not all. For levels of patient access to physical therapist services in the States, Colorado is a “Direct Access” state. This means anyone can see a physical therapist whether they have a doctor’s referral or not. It is still important for you to speak with your insurance company, but overall, you will not need a referral from your doctor to see a physical therapist.  Some additional facts about “Direct Access” include: 

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• Allows patients more flexibility in their healthcare 
• Direct access has helped to reduce costs in some situations
• Patients can be happier with their progress
• All 50 states have “Direct Access,” but each state is slightly different

Insurance Doesn’t Cover Therapy

Many assume that physical therapy is not something covered in their plan. False! A majority of plans do cover. In addition, it is also commonly covered through workers’ compensation, Medicare, and several other types of insurance. Contact your insurance company or review cost information on your plan to see how much it will cost to visit a local physical therapist. You will be surprised how many ways it will help you. 

Surgery is the Only Way to Fix an Issue

The common assumption with physical therapy is that it should be used after certain surgeries for recovery. However, in many cases, it is used prior to surgery and can possibly prevent it. Physical therapists will work with a patient on movement and strengthening. This will help reduce any inflammation, which tends to cause or worsen issues that lead to surgery. This also helps people reduce or eliminate the amount of anti-inflammatory medication they take, which can also help you feel better too. Surgery requires time to recover and risks are always there. By choosing therapy first, you could be avoiding a costly procedure. Types of issues physical therapy may help include: 

• Back pain
• Carpal tunnel 
• Degenerative disk disease
• Knee joint pain
• Meniscus tears

There’s Nothing to Do Before Surgery

In some cases, surgery is absolutely mandatory. Did you know that physical therapy before surgery can help you prepare and speed up recovery time? What is known as “prehabilitation,” or “prehab” for short can prepare the body for surgery. Not only will it help strengthen you and prepare you for surgery but will help reduce pain and inflammation. Prehab participants have noticed success with the surgery, a reduction in time at the hospital, and an increase in recovery time. 

Physical Therapy is Painful

A physical therapist is dedicated to your recovery and growth. While certain movements may make you feel uncomfortable for a moment, therapy should not be painful. In fact, that is why you are working with a physical therapist to begin with. Also, the longer you see a therapist, the better you will feel. Any discomfort is temporary, and your therapist will walk you through everything slowly and thoroughly. They will also be able to teach you the differences between discomfort that leads to progress versus piercing pain that is a sign of something wrong. Learning and becoming familiar with pain will help you in many different applications, such as work safety, exercise and playing sports, and day to day tasks. 

Medication is Better for Treatment

Today, people are heavily dependent on medications to treat their ailments. While in some cases this is appropriate, in others it is not necessary. In fact, nearly 30 percent of those prescribed an opioid for an issue abuse it, which is more than two million people. Opioids are a type of pain reliever used to treat medium to high levels of pain. They help make your body ignore pain because they attach to a person’s nerve cells on the brain and other areas. As a result, not only does the person feel better, but opioids can also cause a person to feel great. This mixture makes it extremely easy to get addicted to—which people do. This makes it dangerous as they can slow down your breathing and heart rate, or even make you become unconscious. So, the next time you have an issue to be treated with medication, ask your local physical therapist if they have options instead. Natural remedies will help you feel better and heal without the need for addictive medications. 

Your first step to therapy is learning how to choose a specialized physical therapy provider. For an expert you can trust, visit your nearest Cherry Creek Wellness Center. We offer five convenient locations to help you increase your movement and strength, possibly even eliminating the need to operate for certain issues. Also, you can visit us for relaxing and pain eliminating massage therapy or for weight loss and strength training. Take advantage of our invigorating Pilates classes or Redcord suspension training. As a full-service wellness center, we offer a large array of services to help you feel great. Call us today at 303-333-3493 to set up your first appointment.