Three Things You May Not Know About Physical Therapy

OAK PARK, Ill. – October is National Physical Therapy Month and Athletico Physical Therapy wants people of all ages to know that PT can be an effective option for everything from headaches to the side effects of cancer treatment. During October and throughout the year, Athletico facilities, including the Oak Park North location, offer free screenings so that people can get the help they need.

During the 30-minute screening an Athletico physical therapist works with a patient to assess any injuries, aches, pains or physical limitations, and determines how physical therapy might improve function and quality of life.

“There’s a common misconception that people are referred to physical therapists only after sports injuries, accidents or orthopedic surgery,” said Cynthia Krebsbach, Athletico’s Oak Park North facility manager. “But we treat people with chronic headaches and backaches, and many conditions people don’t associate with physical therapy, such as dizziness, incontinence and lymphedema, an uncomfortable swelling that sometimes occurs after cancer treatment, such as mastectomy for breast cancer.

Krebsbach said she and other physical therapists hear many other misconceptions and want to set the record straight.

Here are three things people may not know about physical therapy.

1. Personalized to meet your needs. Physical therapists are trained to work with men, women and children of all ages, and treatment is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. In addition, Athletico’s Oak Park North facility has expert therapists specialized in providing specific services for women and children, addressing conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, post-mastectomy swelling and head injury.

2. Affordable. Most insurance providers offer some coverage for physical therapy. Patients should check with their insurance provider to learn more. Physical therapy may also lower your overall medical costs by addressing conditions through physical activity and education before they become chronic or more serious.

3. Doesn’t have to hurt. Many people think PT is about, “no pain, no gain.” Physical therapists work within your pain threshold to support healing, improve movement and get you back to doing what you love. During your physical therapy treatment sessions, on-going communication between you and your physical therapist regarding your comfort level will occur so activities can be modified to enhance your overall experience.

To learn more about Athletico and its services, including the free 30-minute screenings to assess injuries or aches/pains, visit athletico.com/appointments or call your nearest location. For a list of all Chicagoland facilities, visit athletico.com/regions/Illinois.

###

ABOUT ATHLETICO

Athletico Physical Therapy provides the highest quality orthopedic rehabilitation services to communities, employers and athletes, with over 340 locations throughout nine states. To demonstrate our commitment to both our patients and referring physicians, we measure functional patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with national data comparison using a third-party outcomes system. Our services include physical and occupational/hand therapy, industrial rehabilitation, women’s health therapy, pediatric physical therapy, concussion management and athletic training. For more information, please visit www.athletico.com.