By Ellen Haverstick
If you or a relative gets a toothache, you probably know who to call – a family dentist. You know that the sooner you see your dentist, the sooner the source of the toothache is determined and treatment is under way.

So why wait to get help when you experience knee or shoulder pain, a backache, or a stiff neck? Unfortunately, people often wait weeks, or even months, for joint pain to spontaneously “go away.” Later, in desperation, they call their doctor, who will usually prescribe pain medication and muscle relaxants to ease the pain. This method often lends some relief, but it does not fix what caused the ache or pain..

It would be like going to the dentist with a cavity and only getting a Novocain injection to temporarily deaden the pain. Of course, when it wears off, you would still have the cavity and the pain.

We all know that a dentist would repair the cavity, fixing the source of the pain. A good dentist would then counsel you about brushing, flossing, regular checkups and proper nutrition to PREVENT the cavity. Most people would not neglect their teeth to the point of requiring extensive surgery or prolonged use of medication to control pain. They would try to avoid dentures or dental implants if possible. Why are dentures and dental implants (false teeth) any different from a total knee replacement (false knee)?

A physical therapist routinely alleviates aches and pains, improves body alignment and restores injured tissues, with many treatments commonly covered by health insurance.  As the first line of defense for painful or limited joint function, everyone should have a physical therapist as trusted as their dentist. Most often, surgery and weeks of medication can be avoided if joint problems are evaluated and treated by a physical therapist at the onset of symptoms.

If you are like many healthcare consumers, you may be wondering, who are physical therapists, anyway? Orthopedic physical therapists are trained to expertly evaluate your movement or joint problem and determine if conservative and restorative treatment is appropriate. Physical therapists provide treatment to alleviate pain and restore joint motion. They also improve understanding of painful conditions and help the patient to progress toward a self-care program. They can teach you how to prevent injuries.

Licensed physical therapists are highly educated and trained professionals who are governed by state physical therapy boards. Most physical therapy programs today require a bachelor’s degree for entry and once accepted into a program, physical therapy students complete a three-and-a-half -year doctor of physical therapy degree. 

It is important to find a physical therapist you feel comfortable working with and who meets your needs and expectations: Choose a physical therapist based on specific qualifications, experience treating your condition or areas of expertise. If the therapist is not in your insurance network, remember that clinics usually offer affordable fee-for-service plans (cash-based payments).

Ask around. Family, friends and neighbors can usually direct you to a therapist with whom they have had a beneficial experience. Consider clinic location and services offered (spine program, aquatic program, sports performance program, women’s health program). 

Check your health insurance for physical therapy benefits. Call the number on your insurance card and ask how many visits are covered, is a doctor referral necessary, and what physical therapists are in your network. Direct access (no physician referral required) to a physical therapist is available in many states and supported by many insurance plans. Be wary of clinics or therapists who routinely  waive co-pays or co-insurance.  This is a fraudulent method of persuasion.

Be prepared. Who will you call the next time your “back goes out,” you sprain your ankle, or you wake up with a “crick” in your neck? Find your physical therapist today!

Ellen Haverstick is the owner of Advanced Physical Therapy Center of Downtown Conway and is a practicing physical therapist. For more information call 501.328.5878, email [email protected] or visit www.advancedptcenter.com.