Premier Physical Therapy

Category: Physical Therapy

What to Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Appointment

1. Paperwork

To better get to know you, your history, your pain, and your problem, there are forms we will have you fill out. Insurance requires forms that you will have to fill out for the duration of your treatment to show your progression. Our team will also review your insurance benefits with you at your first appointment, so there shouldn’t be any surprises.

2. Find the Root Cause of your Pain

Your Physical Therapist will determine the root cause of your pain. For example, some patients come in with shoulder pain, but the pain is actually stemming from the neck. We want to be sure we are treating the underlying cause to help alleviate your pain and get you on your path to healing!

3. Measurements

Depending on your injury or disorder depends on how they will take measurements. There are a variety of measurements, but the most common are strength and range of motion. These numbers help us gauge your starting point and see the progression from there.

4. Goals

During your initial evaluation, we want to hear your goals to know what we are working towards. Our team also sets some goals, but your goals are important to us too!

5. Discuss the Value of Therapy

To reach your maximum level of improvement, it’s important that you attend all the appointments your doctor prescribed unless your therapist agrees that you are discharged from therapy. When you miss an appointment, it is important to reschedule it within the week to follow your prescription, just like with any medication. Your Physical Therapist will also give you exercises to complete at home, walk you through how to complete them, and give you the tools to succeed!

6. Become Part of the Premier Family

You are officially part of the Premier Family. Our Front Desk Coordinator will give you a folder with some helpful information and a Premier Physical Therapy shirt that will get you entered into our weekly drawing for a $20 gift card!

April 5, 2023
Let Us Bring Some Balance Back Into Your Life.

Vertigo is a feeling or sensation that the environment around you is spinning or moving, even when you are not moving. It can also be described as dizziness or comparable to motion sickness. This condition, vertigo, can affect people of every age. However, it is most common in adults over the age of 20, but it can be more hazardous for those over the age of 65 because of the balance issues it causes. It affects nearly 40% of Americans sometime during their life.

The most common type of vertigo happens when there is an issue in one’s inner ear. Vertigo typically lasts for a few hours or days, but it can last longer for more severe cases. If you are feeling a sudden change that feels like these symptoms, our recommendation would be to see your healthcare provider.

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for those suffering from vertigo. Thankfully patients can see relief within 1-3 sessions. We know that if you are feeling unsteady, sick, and dizzy, you want to feel normal as soon as possible. So tell your doctor, “Send me to Premier,” or call our team at 573-335-7868.

December 16, 2022
Get Moving!

Physical activity can play an important role in your life and reduce the risk of many diseases. There was a study completed by the CDC, and it said, “About 1 in 4 Americans is physically inactive. The CDC defines “inactive” as not taking part in any physical activity outside of work in the past month.” As a country, we are inactive comparatively, but with regular physical activity and encouraging others to move, we can improve ourselves!

So what can physical activity prevent or help with?

It is shown that physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stress, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, several cancers, dementia, and depression. “Getting enough physical activity could prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths,” said Ruth Petersen, MD, Director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, in a press release. We want you to be healthy and live a long, happy life.

Each age range has a different suggested amount of time to be active, so see what category you and your family are in and make a plan!

Preschool-aged children (ages 3 through 5 years) should be physically active for at least 3 hours, if not more. Adult caregivers should encourage active play that includes a variety of activity types and limits the sitting-around time, such as screen time.

Children and adolescents (ages 6 through 17 years) need at least 60 minutes or more of activity a day. This includes activities to strengthen bones, build muscles, and get the heart beating faster.

Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week and at least 2 days for muscle-strengthening activities. Adding more time provides further benefits.

Older adults (ages 65 and older) should do at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week and include muscle-strengthening activities 2 days a week. You should also add components, such as balance training as well. If you have limitations due to preexisting conditions, consult with a health care provider and be as physically active as your abilities allow.

Pregnant and postpartum women who were physically active before pregnancy can continue these activities during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but they should consult their health care provider about any necessary adjustments.

Adults with chronic health conditions and disabilities, who are able, should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. You should consult with a health care provider about the types and amounts that are appropriate for you.

Physical Therapy can help you get moving!

Physical therapists are movement experts and can help pinpoint the cause of your pain, make a plan, and help you reach your goals. If you are having issues with your mobility or have pain limiting you, ask your doctor if you can try physical therapy. Tell your doctor, “Send me to Premier.”

References:

_{Flavish, Paul, and Kathleen Creedon. “1 In 4 Americans Is Not Physically Active, According to the CDC.” Texas Public Radio, 20 Jan. 2022, https://www.tpr.org/public-health/2022-01-20/1-in-4-americans-is-not-physically-active-according-to-the-cdc.}

_{US Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2nd ed. Washington, DC: US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2018. Accessed November 14, 2018.}

_{US Department of Health and Human Services. Move Your Way. Washington, DC: US Dept of Health and Human Services. Accessed November 14, 2018}

_{US Department of Health and Human Services. 60 A Day! Move Your Way. Washington, DC: Dept of Health and Human Services. Accessed November 14, 2018.}

_{US Department of Health and Human Services. What’s your move? Move Your Way. Washington, DC: Dept of Health and Human Services. Accessed November 14, 2018.}

October 5, 2022
5 Myths and the Truth Revealed!

Physical Therapists are healthcare professionals that evaluate and treat injuries or conditions that restrict body movements or cause pain. On average, the profession of physical therapy isn’t widely known, but there are common myths that cause people not to seek treatment, even when it may be the best option. We are here to help uncover the truth, so you know what to expect!

1. Physical Therapy is Painful

Truth: The job of therapists is to reduce your pain and increase strength to help your condition for the long hall. You should be transparent with your physical therapist. Tell them if you’re experiencing pain during your session, so your plan can be modified if needed. A study showed that 71% of people who have never visited a physical therapist think it will be painful; that number is significantly lower among patients who have seen a physical therapist in the past year.

2. Physical therapy is only for injuries and accidents

Truth: Physical therapy can be utilized for more than just an injury, whether sports, work, or an accident. It can be used for both pre and post-operative care, non-surgical treatments instead of injections or medications, help manage chronic conditions, and even help those who have vertigo. There is a long list of conditions we treat that physical therapy can help with, so if you’re experiencing pain, call our team at 573-335-7868 to see if physical therapy is right for you!

3. Any healthcare provider can perform physical therapy

Truth: Although 42% of consumers know that physical therapy can only be provided by a licensed physical therapist, 37% still believe other healthcare providers can also perform physical therapy.

4. Physical Therapy isn’t covered by insurance.

Truth: Physical therapy is covered by most insurance policies. Premier Physical Therapy is a provider for all major insurance companies, including Medicare. Physical therapy can also be utilized to save costs on medication, unneeded scans, or surgeries.

5. Surgery is my only option.

Truth: Surgery is unavoidable in some situations, but physical therapy is a natural way to help heal your body. We suggest that you ask your doctor if you can try physical therapy FIRST to see if you find the relief and range of motion you desire. Research shows that patients who choose physical therapy return to work 2–4 times sooner than those who choose surgery. Furthermore, 75 percent of studies report a faster return to all other pre-injury activity with those who choose physical therapy over surgery. Therapy is often more cost-effective than surgery and is also more likely to help prevent further injuries.

Consider physical therapy next time you feel an ache or pain. Don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare provider questions, ask family and friends their recommendations in choosing a facility, and let us know if we can help you on your medical journey! Give our team a call today at 573-335-7868.

_{Craig, Meredith. “Physical Therapy versus Surgery.” Medium, NU Sci, 25 Oct. 2016, https://nuscimag.com/physical-therapy-versus-surgery-9c2320e4b7bc.}

July 11, 2022
Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
What is Blood Flow Restriction Therapy or BFR?

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy is a temporary restriction of blood flow that a pneumatic cuff stops, similar to a blood pressure cuff. This can be used on both arms or legs. It has been found that BFR shows improvements in muscle strength, size, and activation. BFR can help patients increase their strength with little to no weight while reducing the stress on a particular joint.

What conditions can Blood Flow Restriction Therapy help?
- Pre-Operative Rehab
- Post-Operative Rehab
- Various Tendonitis conditions
Main Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
- Reducing recovery time after an injury
- Stimulating natural healing properties in the body
- Increased muscle strength and size
- Improved muscular efficiency and motor control
- Improved cardiovascular efficiency
- Reduced joint pain
June 5, 2022