Physical Therapy Futurology
by Rachel Granzow, SPT
As “rehabilitation” professionals, physical therapists are often considered to be mechanics of sort. Something goes “wrong” with the body and, as a result, movement is impaired, and, often, there is pain. A PT can improve how the body moves in a variety of ways and as a result, the pain improves.
This process — from symptom, to treatment, then relief — is the typical medical model of intervention. But I wouldn’t call this “health care.” It’s more like “sick care,” because people don’t seek the services of a PT until something is amiss. The job of the PT, in this paradigm, is to help set things right again, to “fix” patients.
At least that’s how things are now. But with medical costs rising along with rates of chronic disease, something has to change. The PT profession is poised in a prime position to make a significant contribution towards preventive care. That is, helping people improve their health BEFORE issues arise and, whenever possible, avoid problems altogether. Here are some ways that the future may look for PT.
Annual checkups
Much like you see a dentist, optometrist, or other specialist provider on a regular basis, you could see a PT for a yearly screening of your “movement system.” Doing so will identify ways to identify risk factors before they turn into major concerns. Having a “PT for life” allows higher quality of care if or when the need for PT arises.
Click here to read more about annual checkups
On-going disease management
PTs can play a vital role on an interprofessional team for managing many of the most prevalent and costly conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and back pain. Choosing PT as the first-line treatment for these diseases saves money in the long run. As the experts in physical activity, PTs are the best providers to address many of the lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic health conditions.
Click here to read more about PT for pain management
With an aging population, there are increased risks for a variety of health concerns, such as frailty and falls. Improving how seniors are able to move and function in their day-to-day lives is well within the PT wheelhouse. As the “silver tsunami” of the Baby Boomer generation continues to enter this demographic, PTs can work to keep them healthy and active for as long as possible.
Click here to read more about falls
Prenatal and postpartum care
Did you know there’s a PT specialty that focuses on pelvic health? For pregnant women, enlisting a PT in the care team can help with both delivery and recovery after their babies are born. The period of time known as the “4th trimester” is a critical place where PTs can provide support and expertise to mothers.
Click here to read more about exercise after pregnancy
To be clear, there are many PTs who already provide these services. But as the medical system evolves, demand will increase for this kind of approach. It’s an exciting time to be a PT!
Welcome New Members to the bestPT Team in April 2017
11 New members joined bestPT in April 2017.
Each new member benefits from and contributes to the strength of our network of physical therapists.
Let’s welcome bestPT newest members!
- Ahmed Abualala of Melwood Rehabilitation Center, in Upper Marlboro, MD.
- Sara Styles, Kelly Tennyson, and Kimberly Nicholson of Health Rehab Solutions.
- Glenn Hamilton of Asbury University in Wilmore, KY.
- Samantha Lenox of Mike Walsh Physical Therapy, in Milford, DE.
- Leah Larkin of Equilibrium Balance Performance Center in Ventura, CA.
- Chastity Eaton of Bassett Physical Therapy, in Stanleytown, VA.
- Brenda Gonzalez, Jerry Parks, and Ted Stebens of Kulagy Physical Therapy.
Welcome New Members to the bestPT Team in March 2017
WELCOME NEW Members TO THE BESTPT TEAM!
6 New members joined bestPT in March 2017.
Each new member benefits from and contributes to our network strength.
Let’s welcome bestPT newest members!
- Elise Kearns of Asbury University Wilmore, KY. www.asbury.edu
- Krystal Showers, Elizabeth Samsell, and Holly Stewart of Bassett Physical Therapy, Stanleytown, VA. www.bassettpt.co
- Vicki Gaunt of ISU Physical Therapy, Terre Haute, IN. www.indstate.edu/pt
- Rosalie Bender of Physical Therapy Works Manhasset, NY.
Welcome New Members to the bestPT Team in February 2017
Five New Members joined bestPT in February 2017.
Each new member benefits from and contributes to our network strength.
Let’s welcome bestPT‘s newest members!
- Hayle Blackman and Kat Dominguez of Big Sky Pediatric in Austin, TX
- Natalia Zakrzeski and Alicia Perfetto of Bit-by-Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- Chy Grabowski-Merklinger of Health Rehab Solutions in Kalispell, MT
Welcome New Members to the bestPT Team in December 2016
Two New Members joined bestPT in December 2016.
Each new member benefits from and contributes to our network strength.
Let’s welcome bestPT’s newest members!
- Mark Williams of Heyer Physical Therapy, Homer, NY.
- Long Branch of Healing Star Physical Therapy and Wellness, Long Branch, NJ.
Welcome New Members to the bestPT Team in November 2016
Three New Members joined bestPT in November 2016.
Each new member benefits from and contributes to our network strength.
Let’s welcome bestPT’s newest members!
- Chris Sidoff of Big Sky Pediatric Therapy,Pllc.
- Kellie Edmonds of Basset Physical Therapy.
- Darshita of Healing Star Physical Therapy And Wellness.
Welcome New Members to the bestPT Team in October
Eleven New Members joined bestPT in October 2016.
Each new member benefits from and contributes to our network strength.
Let’s welcome bestPT’s newest members!
- Nora Halabi and Veronica Orr of Bit-By-Bit, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- Bobbie Blodgett of Kalispell Rehab, Kalispell, MT.
- Nicole Clements of Melwood Rehabilitation Center, Upper Marlboro, MD.
- Dr. Greg Banks of Midlothian Village Physical Therapy, Midlothian, VA.
- Courtney Moore of Mike Walsh Physical Therapy, Milford, DE.
- Shelly of Tim Soder Physical Therapy, Las Vegas, NV.
- Brittany Smith, Johanna Peinado, Elizabeth Moffatt, and Ashley Rogers of Two Trees Physical Therapy & Wellness, Ventura, CA.
Welcome New Members to the bestPT Team in September
Thirteen New Members joined bestPT in September 2016.
Each new member benefits from and contributes to our network strength.
Let’s welcome bestPT’s newest members!
- Tyler Gutshall of Bassett Physical Therapy, Stanleytown, VA.
- Beth Rubin and Nichol Suarez of Big Sky Pediatric Therapy, Austin, TX.
- Amanda Davis of Bounce Physical Therapy, Liverpool, NY.
- Joey Schoenherr, Laura Wahla, Judy Micallef, and Valentina Calmac of Comprehensive Hand & Rehabilitation, Waterford, MI.
- Michael Dilella and Brinda Rathod of Homebase Physical Therapy Morristown, NJ.
- Laura Wiegan of Midlothian Village Physical Therapy, Midlothian, VA.
- Arshad Hussain of PT Max Pain Management Clinic Philadelphia, PA.
- Sobeida Curiel of Two Trees Physical Therapy & Wellness, Ventura, CA.
Welcome New Members to the bestPT Team in August
Seven New Members joined bestPT in August 2016.
Each new member benefits from and contributes to our network strength.
Let’s welcome bestPT’s newest members!
- Sarah Paxton, Samantha Moses, and Emily Cummings of Big Sky Pediatric Therapy, Austin, TX.
- Hillarie Hough and Amanda Richelo of Bit-By-Bit, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- Jazzmyn Butts of Comprehensive Hand & Rehabilitation, Waterford, MI.
- Ginny Wilder and Tasha Rehbein of Kalispell Rehab, Kalispell, MT.
- Vonda Martin of Midlothian Village Physical Therapy, Midlothian, VA.
- Radhika Patel and Jessica Jones of Two Trees Physical Therapy & Wellness, Ventura, CA.
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