Is having an annual physical therapy exam a good way to keep my joints in motion?

For the most part, you probably don’t consider seeing a physical therapist unless you’re experiencing pain or discomfort or you were injured and over-the-counter medications aren’t helping. When it comes to annual appointments, physical therapy rarely makes the list. But did you know that an annual physical therapy appointment — much like that annual physical you need to make an appointment for — can help you keep your joints in motion? 

Benefits of an annual exam

You don’t have to wait for pain or an injury to see a physical therapist. In fact, scheduling an annual physical therapy appointment can help make sure that you keep your joints in motion and not stuck. Physical therapists are trained to spot potential problems and help you correct them, and an annual exam may help you prevent discomfort in the future. A preventive treatment will assess how you move and pinpoint any potential problem areas. 

What to expect

Once you’ve taken the plunge and scheduled your annual physical therapy appointment, you may be wondering what to expect. The appointment is fairly straightforward and easy. To help keep those joints in motion, a physical therapist will perform an in-depth evaluation of your movement systems. The evaluation may include: 

• Strength and balance testing.
• Evaluating posture and biomechanics.
• Assessing your risk for degenerative changes.
• Working to prevent major issues.

Once your evaluation is complete, your physical therapist may design a treatment plan for you to help keep your joints fluid and in motion. Your specialist may teach and encourage you to perform some specific stretches and exercises at home as a form of preventive treatment. It’s important to follow the exercise regimen that your physical therapist recommends for the best results. 

An annual physical therapy exam and evaluation can go a long way in keeping your body moving at its best. You don’t have to wait until you’re in pain to see a physical therapist because we can help you keep those joints in motion and prevent potential pain. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.