Its purpose is to discuss how physical therapy can help the patient.
Depending on what kind of pain or injury he is suffering from.
This is usually offered by physical therapy clinics and specialists for free and is beneficial for anyone who is suffering from pain or injury and is considering physical therapy as part of an ongoing treatment as well as for anyone who has certain mobility and motion problems caused by other factors.
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of any medical problem that hinders individuals from moving normally and properly and keeps them from performing their normal activities.
At the end of the consultation, the patient will be given a recommended physical therapy plan, which he can follow alongside his medical treatment plan. Incorporating physical therapy into a medical treatment plan for pain or injury can help reduce the need for prescription drugs (which can cause side effects) and surgical intervention.
Who Should Undergo and Expected Results
A physical therapy consultation is beneficial for:
- Patients who are suffering from chronic pain conditions
- Patients who suffered an injury
- Patients recovering from surgery
- Patients born with developmental problems or birth defects
Some examples of conditions that may be treated with physical therapy include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rotator cuff tear
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disk disease
The purpose of physical therapy is to:
- Improve or allow proper mobility and movement
- Improve flexibility, coordination and balance
- Reduce pain
- Restore proper body function
- Prevent progression of symptoms, such as further impairment and disability
At the end of a consultation with a physical therapist, a patient should be aware of how physical therapy can be of benefit to him and what kind of physical therapy programs he can undergo so he can make an informed decision as to whether to incorporate it into his existing medical care plan.
At the start of the consultation, it is normal for patients to be asked to fill up an information form. To help the physical therapist provide an accurate treatment recommendation, patients should provide all necessary information about their condition and discuss their symptoms in detail. Patients are also encouraged to ask all the questions they may have, so they will have sufficient information to guide them in moving forward with their treatment.
If necessary, the physical therapist may order some tests after the consultation, but these are usually scheduled at a later time and are rarely performed in the same appointment.
Patients are not obliged to undergo the prescribed treatment plan provided during the consultation. It is normal for most patients to seek a second opinion and make a decision based on how the consultations go. This is because it is important for patients to find a physical therapist or a PT clinic that they will feel comfortable working with.
Possible Risks and Complications
The use of physical therapy as part of a medical care plan can help prevent several possible risks and complications associated with the use of medications and surgery.
The main risks in using medications include:
- Over-treatment, especially when medications are used for the long-term management of chronic pain conditions
- Side effects, such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Drowsiness
- Overdose
- Drug dependence
Surgery also has its own set of risks, which include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Anaesthesia complications, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure elevation, allergic reaction, and many others
- Delayed healing
- Breathing trouble