Choosing physical therapy (PT) as your first line of defense for pain and mobility issues can have major advantages over seeing a doctor first. At Back to You Physical Therapy, with locations in Royal Oak, Canton, and Grosse Pointe, MI, as well as Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, FL, our highly trained physical therapists (PTs) are experts in movement analysis and differential diagnosis, able to get to the root of your pain without the delays often caused by imaging or tests.
This Q&A format blog will explain why PT should be your first step in managing pain, how it can save you time and money, and help you get back to doing what you love sooner.
Q: Why should I go to physical therapy before seeing a doctor for my pain?
Answer: Going to physical therapy first can help you:
• Save money: Studies show that direct access to PT leads to lower overall healthcare costs, as it reduces the need for expensive imaging, medications, or unnecessary specialist visits (Fritz et al., 2012).
• Achieve faster pain relief: Physical therapists use targeted manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and personalized treatment plans to relieve pain quickly.
• Return to work and activities sooner: PT gets you moving again faster, promoting quicker recovery times and preventing prolonged time off work or restricted activity.
• Increase satisfaction: Patients who start with PT report higher satisfaction levels due to the hands-on, patient-centered approach to care.
With direct access at Back to You, you don’t need a prescription to start PT, meaning you can receive treatment right away and avoid unnecessary delays.
Q: How can PT save money in the long run?
Answer: Physical therapy often costs less than the series of doctor’s appointments, tests, and medications that can add up quickly. For example, research shows that patients who begin with PT for lower back pain spend less on total treatment compared to those who start with a primary care physician or specialist (Childs et al., 2015). By addressing the cause of pain early, PT helps reduce the likelihood of chronic issues, eliminating the need for repeated treatments or surgery.
Learn more about the cost benefits of choosing PT first on our Cost Savings with Physical Therapy page.
Q: Is physical therapy effective for a variety of conditions?
Answer: Absolutely! Physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions, including:
• Back pain: Manual therapy, core stabilization, and mobility exercises can address back pain and prevent recurrence.
• Shoulder pain: We address rotator cuff issues and impingements with specific strengthening exercises.
• Knee pain: PT helps alleviate arthritis, patellofemoral pain, and ligament injuries without surgery.
• Foot and ankle pain: PT improves balance, mobility, and strength to support recovery.
We also work with patients experiencing pain from chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, providing education and personalized strategies for managing symptoms effectively. Our Back to You Pain Management Guide is a great place to explore treatment options for these conditions (see our Pain Management Guide).
Q: Do I need imaging or test results before starting physical therapy?
Answer: No! Physical therapists are trained to assess and diagnose the cause of your pain through hands-on assessment and movement analysis. Research indicates that imaging is often unnecessary, as many findings (like “bone-on-bone” in the knees) are age-related changes rather than direct pain generators (Brinjikji et al., 2015).
Physical therapy directly addresses the mechanics causing pain, whether they are muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, or mobility limitations. Waiting for imaging often leads to fear-avoidance and pain catastrophizing, which can actually worsen the perception of pain. At Back to You, we focus on building confidence in your body’s ability to heal, empowering you to achieve lasting relief without relying on imaging.
Q: Can PT reduce the need for medications and invasive procedures?
Answer: Yes! Physical therapy focuses on treating pain at its source, reducing reliance on medications, injections, or surgeries. A study published in The Annals of Internal Medicine found that physical therapy was just as effective as surgery for conditions like meniscus tears, avoiding invasive procedures entirely (Katz et al., 2013).
Q: How does PT empower patients to manage their condition independently?
Answer: Physical therapists provide education and tools to help you understand your condition and manage it long-term. By teaching patients exercises, proper body mechanics, and self-care strategies, we empower them to maintain improvements on their own. This proactive approach prevents recurring pain and promotes confidence in movement.
Q: What if my condition requires further medical intervention?
Answer: If a situation is beyond our scope, we ensure a timely referral to a trusted physician or specialist. Physical therapists are experts at differential diagnosis, so if we identify any “red flags” indicating the need for further medical evaluation, we’ll refer you to the appropriate provider. At Back to You, we work closely with physicians to create a comprehensive, patient-centered care plan when necessary.
Conclusion: Why Physical Therapy First?
Starting with physical therapy gives you the advantage of a holistic, movement-focused approach that addresses the root causes of pain and dysfunction. At Back to You Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping patients in Michigan and Florida achieve pain-free living without getting caught in the cycle of unnecessary healthcare interventions. Whether you’re dealing with recent pain or a chronic issue, PT can put you on the path to faster, sustainable relief.
Bibliography
• Brinjikji, W., et al. (2015). “Systematic Literature Review of Imaging Features of Spinal Degeneration in Asymptomatic Populations.” Radiology, 276(2), 532-537. Link to article
• Childs, J. D., et al. (2015). “Physical Therapy as the First Line of Care for Low Back Pain: Cost Analysis Based on a Systematic Review of the Literature.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 45(9), 683-696. Link to article
• Fritz, J. M., et al. (2012). “Primary Care Referral of Patients with Low Back Pain to Physical Therapy: Impact on Future Health Care Utilization and Costs.” Health Services Research, 47(2), 633-654. Link to article
• Katz, J. N., et al. (2013). “Surgery versus Physical Therapy for a Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis.” The New England Journal of Medicine, 368(18), 1675-1684. Link to article
For more information on how physical therapy can benefit you, contact Back to You Physical Therapy at our locations in Royal Oak, Canton, Grosse Pointe, Port St. Lucie, and Fort Pierce. Let us be your first choice for lasting pain relief. Learn more.