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Do you have: Back pain, difficulty going down stairs, difficulty walking more than 5 minutes, shoulder pain, numbness in my foot, etc…..
Do I need to see my doctor or can I go directly to the physical therapist at my fitness center?
The answer is yes- you can go directly to the Physical Therapist!
Today’s environment of increasing health consciousness, pursuit of physical fitness and promotion of wellness has been tempered by the need to control the escalating costs of health care. Thus over the past ten years laws have been passed at the state level which have increased access to health professionals such as Physical Therapists while still achieving cost containment. Physical therapists are well-qualified, both through formal education and clinical training, to evaluate a patient's condition, assess their needs and, if appropriate, safely and effectively treat the patient. Physical therapists are also well-qualified to recognize when patients demonstrate conditions, signs and symptoms that should be evaluated by other health care professionals before therapy is instituted. Physical therapists recognize when it is appropriate to refer patients to these other health care professionals for consultation (www.Apta.org).
The professional training and expertise which characterize PTs has been recognized by the majority of the states. These states have removed the out-dated provisions requiring a referral by a physician, from their statutes. Studies have shown that these states and the insurance companies that reimburse under direct access will realize cost savings of approximately $1,200 per patient episode of care according to the results of a recent study by Dr. Jean Mitchell and Dr. Greg deLissovoy of Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University, respectively.
Mitchell JM, PhD, de Lissovoy G. A comparison of resource use and cost in direct access versus physician referral episodes of Physical Therapy. Phys. Ther. 1997; 77:10-18.
Time is saved, cost to insurance companies and the state is saved, and you are on your way to healing quicker! We are here to help-- Please call or stop at the front desk with any questions! From BREAKTHRU Physical Therapy.
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Since 1997 use of these supplements has exploded – the ingredients come from animal sources such as crab shells and cow, pig or chicken cartilage and have been thought to relieve knee pain and perhaps repair the cells that line the joint, revitalizing worn cartilage. Overall the results of many studies have showed no significant relief in those who took the supplements, but closer analysis found that a small subgroup of people- with moderate to severe pain did get significant relief. The first large scale clinical trail on any dietary supplements Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trail (GAIT) performed over five years with 1583 patients showed it is affective with people with moderate to severe pain. Critics of the study point out that people with mild pain would have difficulty discerning a benefit from the supplements. Those with moderate to severe pain were more likely to perceive a benefit as they had more room for improvement. Take home message: Other studies have shown positive effects. It is extremely safe – thus worth trying. Speak to you physician before taking any supplements.
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