When Physical Therapy Can Help

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3 Ways to Choose a Physical Therapist

Find healing help with these tips from Susan Sigward, PhD, of the University of Southern California.

Get sporty. Pick a clinic that's geared to athletes, even if you consider yourself an average exerciser. This will ensure that your therapist understands your fitness goals.
Look at the letters. Does the clinic have a sports certified specialist (SCS) or an orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS)? These certifications require extra training in the treatment of sports injuries.
Do a background check. Ask how frequently your therapist deals with injuries like yours. If the answer is rarely, request someone with more experience.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, January 2010.

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ealexander321 wrote:

My doctor diagnosed me with back strain, sent me to PT(physical therapy). PT said doctors always put that down and rely on them to figure out what is really the problem. 1st they said- strain of the sack the encases the spinal cord, then that it was trigger points (tight muscles). He used his thumb and pressed hard on my lower back where it hurt. Unfortunately it appears I actually had a bulging disc and they popped it and caused paralysis. I had to have surgery. Too bad couldn't get MRI 1st.

5/13/2010 03:00:11 PM Report Abuse

mcanna wrote:

Great article! As an under 30 year old woman, who also had hip surgery, PT has been a godsend. Even prior to surgery, going to PT helped out with pain. The PT's that I have seen have been are, for the most part, active individuals who understand that you want to get back to activity and feel better, in a different way than a doctor does.

5/11/2010 10:46:58 AM Report Abuse

deadicateddee wrote:

FYI, not only the elderly have hip replacements, one year ago at 38 I had a total hip replacement. I'm guessing that was just a 'play on words'...

2/25/2010 08:34:11 PM Report Abuse

ziggybop1 wrote:

This is a good article. I was increasing my exercise and hurt my hip. I'm going to therapy now. Hope it helps me. It's too early to tell.

2/22/2010 11:42:53 AM Report Abuse

flamingogrl8 wrote:

I am a Physical Therapist in MI and I was very impressed with this article!

1/26/2010 08:17:05 PM Report Abuse