When you’re dealing with pain or a movement dysfunction, hearing from your doctor that “physical therapy won’t help” can be confusing and frustrating. As a patient, it’s essential to understand the role of physical therapy and how it fits into your overall healthcare plan. Here at Fitzgerald Physical Therapy, we believe in collaborating with doctors, patients, and other healthcare professionals to make the best decisions for your health.
Collaboration Is Key
Physical therapists are highly trained healthcare providers with a Doctorate level degree, specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning for musculoskeletal conditions. While doctors might sometimes suggest that physical therapy isn’t necessary, it’s important to have a collaborative approach – where both the physical therapist and the patient are actively involved in making treatment decisions. What better way to determine if you can benefit from PT than to be evaluated by a Doctor of Physical Therapy? This integrated approach ensures that all aspects of your health are considered, providing the best course of care to meet your goals.
Understanding Our Expertise
As Doctors of Physical Therapy, we have the expertise to assess and treat various conditions independently. Patients have direct access to us, meaning you don’t need a doctor’s permission to seek our help. You have the right to choose physical therapy, and while some third-party insurances might need prior authorization, you can still decide to come to us for evaluation and treatment.
Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Medicine and Physical Therapy
It’s crucial to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and physical therapy. Both should work together seamlessly to provide comprehensive care. By integrating physical therapy into your treatment plan early, you can often prevent the need for more invasive and costly treatments later on. Delaying physical therapy can lead to prolonged pain and higher overall healthcare costs.
Empowering Yourself as a Patient
One of our goals is to empower you to advocate for your own health. Practitioners might not always acknowledge the full extent of what physical therapy can offer, but you have the right to seek out and advocate for the care you believe you need. We will work with you to determine the best course of action, whether it’s for injury prevention, rehabilitation, or ongoing wellness.
Ultimately, you as the patient have the power to decide if you need physical therapy. You are always in the driver’s seat and responsible for your own health. Patients need to know that they have the option to self-pay for services they believe they need regardless of insurance or a prescription from a MD for PT.
Cost and Accessibility
While insurance coverage can sometimes be a hurdle, remember that many options are available. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can often be used for physical therapy expenses. We at Fitzgerald PT can help you navigate these options to ensure you receive the care you need without unnecessary financial stress.
Follow-Ups and Continued Care
Lastly, even if you’ve been told that you don’t need physical therapy anymore, it’s wise to check in with your physical therapist to close the loop. Regular follow-ups can help prevent re-injury and ensure that you maintain the progress you’ve made.
We believe that physical therapy is a vital part of the healthcare continuum, offering specialized care for a wide range of conditions. By collaborating with your healthcare team and advocating for your own needs, you can ensure you receive the most effective and efficient care possible. If you have any questions or need guidance on whether physical therapy is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Fitzgerald PT.
Together, we can make informed decisions about your health and well-being!
