Three benefits of going to a physical therapist for an annual wellness exam

When you’re making your annual appointments, make sure you schedule a physical therapy wellness exam. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Why in the world do I need to go to a physical therapy wellness exam when I have a primary care doctor that I go to annually?” Your primary care physician will check on your overall health from a medical perspective. At your physical therapy wellness exam, your specialist will evaluate how your body moves and functions. 

Why a physical therapy wellness exam is important to your health

You go to the gym regularly, so why would you go to a physical therapist to improve your health? Here are three reasons why you should go ahead and schedule that annual exam with your physical therapist:

• For preventive care — If you could avoid pain, wouldn’t you want to do so? An annual physical therapy exam can help you spot issues before they become a problem and even prevent major sources of pain. Your specialist can help you stave off painful conditions such as shoulder arthritis or other degenerative conditions. 
• To improve your posture — You’ve probably been told at least once in your life to not slouch. Well, by taking part in an annual physical therapy checkup, you can work to improve your posture. Your specialist will assess your overall posture during your exam. Based on your current posture, your physical therapist may give you some exercises to do at home to stretch and strengthen your body to reduce your slouching.
• To reduce your risk for injuries — We’re all prone to injuries, but we can reduce that risk. At your annual exam, your physical therapist will evaluate your body mechanics and assess your risk for injury. Once your physical therapist understands where your body needs additional support, they may give you some exercises to help you strengthen your body and reduce your risk for injury.

Stay on top of your health and schedule an annual wellness checkup with a physical therapist. At SSOR, our specialists are here to help you. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.