WC Iowa News

Crawford County Memorial Hospital issued the following announcement on October 21.

It is thought that Hippocrates was one of the first people practicing a form of Physical Therapy (PT) back around 460 BC. In the United States, the field of Physical Therapy  was recognized in 1921, partly in response to WWI. Physical therapists were also in high demand helping those afflicted by the polio epidemic during the 1920s.

The first professional Physical Therapy association was known as the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association. One year later, the name was changed to the American Physiotherapy Association. Currently, the U.S. organization goes by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and represents over 95,000 clinicians.

When physical therapy originally became recognized as a profession, it required a bachelor’s degree to practice. In the 1990s, programs transitioned to a Master of Science degree. Now, in the 21st century, the profession has advanced again and is now at a Doctoral level.

According to recent research, patients with lower back pain who turned to physical therapy as the first avenue of treatment reported an average of 72% fewer costs within the first year than those who did not. For patients with chronic health conditions, like diabetes and obesity, regular treatments may ease some of the costs associated with on-going pain relief.

Physical therapy is also a safe alternative to taking prescription medication. It treats common aches and strains, sprains and fractures, and helps with many other issues and conditions, including:

• Back sprain/strain
• COVID-19 fatigue and other debilitating illnesses
• Headaches and concussions
• Vertigo, dizziness, and balance
• Disc injury and pinched nerves
• Rotator cuff tear, bursitis, and frozen shoulder
• And much more

Seeing a physical therapist does require a referral from another health care provider. If you think you’d like to begin the rehabilitation process much more quickly, be sure to make an appointment with your primary care physician and/or orthopedist to discuss and set up an appointment. Your primary care provider at CCMH can help you determine whether PT is the right first step, or if you may need imaging, or a referral to a specialist.

Physical therapy gets you back to life and the things that are most important to you. Whether it’s relieving neck and back discomfort, playing with the grandkids, or simply cooking dinner pain-free, the benefits of physical therapy can change lives for the better. Whatever it is, physical therapy, and our compassionate team of licensed therapists, can help get you moving.

To learn more, contact the CCMH Physical Therapy department at 712-265-2626.

Original source can be found here.