Could you benefit from outpatient Physical Therapy?  If you have consistent pain and have been nursing an injury for weeks before seeking help from a medical professional, your body may have already begun to heal; and not always the way we would like it to. By going to a Physical Therapist first, you can help cut down the time off work, off of sports, and promote healing much faster.

These are the top 8 signs that you may need to see a Physical Therapist.

1. Limited Activities of Daily Living – If you have limitations due to weakness or being overweight, exercise and healthy lifestyle habits produce greater effects on function and pain.
2. Uncontrolled Descent – If you tend to flop down into a chair in a pattern of uncontrolled descent when attempting to sit down, physical therapy can work with you to improve your strength and conditioning.
3. Have Trouble Sleeping – Physical therapy can help if you are experiencing interrupted sleep due to neck, back, or shoulder pain associated with positioning.
4. Balance Issues – If you have had a fall in the past year, exhibit a loss of control when bending over or sitting, or need multiple attempts to rise from a seated to standing position, you could benefit from a fall prevention program.
5. Nagging Symptoms – If you are not able to enjoy sports or other hobbies due to nagging symptoms of a joint or muscle stiffness, physical therapy can help.
6. Post Op – If you were recently admitted to a hospital or rehab center or underwent a surgical procedure and were on mobility restrictions.  Early physical therapy is key to preventing hospital readmissions.
7. You’re in Pain – If something hurts and resting eases the pain, you are at risk for loss of functional mobility.  Physical Therapy can help treat and minimize pain while preventing the onset of chronic pain.
8. You Require Pain Medications – Physical therapy is a great alternative to opioids and with less risk for providers, patients, and the health care economy.

*Source of Blog content from PTandMe.com