When you think of physical therapy, you may picture athletes recovering from an injury or a patient regaining strength after surgery. But did you know physical therapy helps all types of people?

Whether you are looking to up your game on the field or just improve mobility and climb the stairs without pain and stiffness, a physical therapist can help you get back to the life you love.

What is physical therapy?
The goals of physical therapy are to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore your body’s functional abilities. Physical therapists have a doctoral-level education and are specially trained in anatomy and physiology, imaging, pharmacology, and differential diagnosis to deliver a plan of care to keep you moving.

“Aches, pains, muscle weakness, or soreness can all be evaluated for treatment by a physical therapist,” says Colette Pientok, PT, DPT, OCS, at Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. “It doesn’t have to be an injury, but could be anything that is limiting your movement and ability to do what you want to do. If something doesn’t feel quite right, come in and let us evaluate how to best help you.”

Direct access to relief — no referral needed
You do not need a physician referral to begin physical therapy. With direct access to physical therapy, patients can seek an evaluation and begin treatment without having to see another provider first.

Benefits of physical therapy
Physical therapy can be an option for people of all ages. A personalized care plan from a physical therapist can help reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, and restore function. In many cases, treatment may decrease the need for medication, imaging, procedures, or surgery.

Physical therapy is a valuable tool for a wide range of conditions including:

Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal

• Arthritis
• Back/Neck pain
• Muscle strains/Ligament sprains
• Sports injuries
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Pelvic-floor dysfunctionBalance

Cardiovascular

• Deconditioning from chronic conditions
• Lymphedema

Neurological

• Stroke
• Concussion
• Headaches

When should I see a physical therapist?
If pain, stiffness, or limited mobility are affecting your daily life, it’s time to see a physical therapist. Dr. Pientok advises patients to listen to their bodies

“Don’t wait. The sooner you come in, the quicker we can work together to help you feel better,” she says. “When we catch a problem in the early stages, we can work to keep it from becoming something chronic.”

What to expect
You'll learn if physical therapy is right for you during your initial evaluation. After discussing your current condition and health goals and determining if you are a candidate, the physical therapist will develop a customized plan consisting of in-clinic treatment and at-home exercises.

Get started
Memorial Hermann is here to help you find the most effective therapy for your specific health needs. Direct access to physical therapy is offered at Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institutes, TIRR Memorial Hermann, and Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Network locations.

To schedule an initial evaluation, call 833-4MY-MHPT or visit memorialhermann.org/direct-access.