Why wait for an injury to react? Traditional physical therapy is often seen as “detention” for an injury, but modern preventative physical therapy focuses on identifying biomechanical inefficiencies before they become setbacks. Through professional movement analysis, we help athletes, casual movers, and beginners optimize their function to stay active and pain-free.
A familiar story plays out on a typical Tuesday afternoon. A patient of mine expresses their excitement about their progress in returning to activities that they enjoy with better movement, less pain, and more confidence. They usually say something to the effect of:
“I wish I would have known what I know now, years ago!”
In which I reply, “Please don’t ruin my livelihood …”
(Only joking.)
The fact remains: most people I work with all have been told the same story of how to access care for their physical capabilities. They believe they must sustain an injury and then react accordingly by being referred to physical therapy almost like a detention for those who didn’t warm up enough, do their stretches, or rest like their bodies were “trying to tell them.” I am very much a biased observer in this arena, but I believe physical therapy should be so much more for the public than just their own impression of the aging process.
Beyond rehabilitation: how modern PT has evolved
Physical therapy has significantly evolved since its inception, in both practice habits as well as its general application. Did you know that physical therapy in the United States initially started in response to the Polio epidemic?
I can tell you honestly that I don’t find myself treating patients for Polio when I walk into work each week. With the evolution of the profession, however, the same principles and driving forces remain the same. We wish to improve the lives of those we work with by any means both possible and ethical.
These days, that means we want more for individuals than the sluggish reaction to a sprain or tendinitis that has crept up on them during the spring surge.
We want to keep you moving, swinging, and in some cases even dancing! The only way to do this is to start a biomechanical journey with us and prepare for the future, not just reflect on the past.
I’m specifically speaking of identifying a movement issue BEFORE it becomes an issue, and NOT AFTER. We can accomplish this by performing what we in the health fields call a movement analysis. In general, we like to sound smart, and in this case we didn’t disappoint.
Identifying risks with professional movement analysis
A movement analysis is the act of watching YOU walking, twisting, bending, squatting, lunging and running. In seeing the whole picture of your movement and then breaking it down into manageable parts from joint-to-joint, we can determine areas that may not be operating as efficiently as we would like them to be.
This allows our recommendations to be personalized, customized to each individual’s lifestyle, and accurate to the types of activities that they wish to return to.
Additionally, it helps us to both educate and equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to keep moving and to anticipate the problems that may come your way. Should you foam roll before or after exercise? Do you need to incorporate lateral movements into your training? Is barefoot running really a thing, or does that just drive-up business? As always, the answer is, “it depends.” However, if we get the chance to go on this journey with you, we can give you the right answer for YOU.
Finding your path: personalized PT care for every type of mover
What I am trying to say is this; physical therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. We want to meet you where you are and help you get to where you are going! Some may be pushing themselves to their utmost potential, while others may just be getting started on their physical journey. Regardless, we want to partner with you and assist in getting to the next step.
Performance Seekers: Optimizing Athletic Output
If you’re a Performance Seeker, you might be asking “How do I get better at my sport?”
PT helps you move more efficiently, increase your output, and build the strength that sustains momentum through a full season and beyond. For these individuals, we wish to optimize function, avoid over-training, and gain an edge by treating the whole movement system as opposed to one or two joints.
Whether you are trying to qualify for that race, finally stand at the top of the podium, or just test what you are capable of, we’re here to help.
Consistent Movers: Maintaining Longevity and Mobility
If you’re a Consistent Mover you might be wondering “How do I keep doing what I love without limitations?”
PT helps you maintain what you’ve worked for — catching small inefficiencies and early warning signs before they become setbacks. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was your 10K time! However, small improvements implemented day-after-day will help you build something just as grand.
If you want to continue to enjoy the foothills, slopes, or riverbanks without fear of going backwards, we’re here to help.
New Starters: Building a Safe Foundation for Fitness
If you’re a New Starter you might be thinking “How do I get started safely and actually stick with it?”
PT gives you a clear foundation — building confidence, safe progression, and making sure your body is ready for what you’re asking it to do. Struggling with sifting through the mountains of articles and numerous online voices telling you where you need to start? Why not work with us to give you personalized information that no online article can provide.
If you want to start your physical journey on the right foot, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait for pain: getting a head start on your health
Oftentimes, when a patient comes in for an injury they deem, “not worth anyone’s time” I honestly get excited. Here is an opportunity to get out ahead of injury, inefficiency, and breakdowns that can plague our movement journey. I admit, you will catch me smiling if you utter those words at the start of our session!
As I stated above, we live in a system that prioritizes waiting and reacting. It states that nothing can be done until you are in pain, losing sleep, or missing the action. I say, “Why wait?”
I’m not saying that if you do wait, you are doomed for injury and catastrophe. What I am saying is that given the chance, wouldn’t you want to have a headstart? As Sir Isaac Newton stated, an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motions … unless acted upon. (I did say I liked to sound smart, didn’t I?)
We are off and running into Spring, which means nicer weather, more time outside, and enjoying the peace of the foothills, gardens, and tennis courts. This is the PERFECT time to put into practice what we are talking about. Let us partner with you to correct small issues now and prevent larger impairments later.
Prevent the compounding inefficiencies that we let settle in over the winter from slowing you down. Put in the work now so that you can enjoy your hobbies, sports, and pursuits all summer long without sacrificing even a day to what injury would rob you.
Consistency is key: tips for a sustainable movement journey
Some of you may be asking, “How would I even put this into practice?” In reality, it is much simpler than it sounds. The greatest single factor to ensure your progress in consistency.
Set reasonable goals, make them attainable and measurable, and do them consistently as opposed to booming and busting with exercise intensity. This will make your body progress in a sustainable way without feeling like it is such a sacrifice to your time and happiness. As I have said before, this is a journey and not a shortcut. Set goals, bring friends, and enjoy the scenery!
In conclusion, I hope to leave you with both encouragement for what your fitness journey could look like, as well as a call to action to make the most of your movement! You are people that work hard day in and day out, often-times only getting brief periods to escape with a run, hike, or workout session.
Let us help you make that a sustainable and effective endeavor, not only for the immediate future, but for the rest of your life.
If given the opportunity, you will see that what we offer is more than a fix for your current injury. What we are trying to offer is the fix for all your injuries.
Start your physical therapy journey today.
As physical therapists, we know the importance of movement for overall health and well-being. From injury recovery to achieving optimal performance, our passion is to help every patient reach their goals and live an active, pain-free life. Get started with PT today!
