Over the years, the field of physical therapy has been constantly evolving how and what we can treat. Spooner has been right in the center of this growth, extending our breadth of expertise in ways that allow us to help more people than ever before! 

Here are 5 things you might not know about physical therapy, but should!

Physical Therapists Can Treat a Lot More Than You Think

People tend to think that physical therapy is only for treating musculoskeletal injuries – injuries that affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, or tendons – but it’s so much more than that!

From neurological conditions, to pediatric care, to women’s health issues, physical therapy is now able to address a wide range of conditions that prevent you from doing the things you love. No matter your age or circumstances, if you’re dealing with something that affects how you move and function, it’s likely that seeing a physical therapist can help! 

To illustrate, here are the specialty services currently provided at Spooner:

Patient seeing a physical therapist for Beast Cancer rehabilitation

As you can see, there’s very little that physical therapy can’t treat! At Spooner, we’re always looking for more ways to grow and develop our specialty practices so we can continue to serve our patients and communities to the fullest!

Physical Therapy Includes Highly Modern Techniques, Not Just Traditional

When you think of physical therapy, you probably picture the more traditional aspects of treatment such as heat pads, ice packs, and electrical stimulation. These traditional methods still hold a place in our clinics, but now physical therapists are equipped with an arsenal of advanced techniques to address your body’s specific needs and boost your recovery!  

modern physical therapy - Dry Needling on the lower back

Therapists can even utilize a combination of both traditional and modern techniques to approach the injury from multiple angles.

At Spooner, this includes: 

  • Dry Needling – An effective technique that uses small, thin, solid needles inserted through the skin. This promotes healing, increases tissue mobility, and can even decrease pain. 
  • Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) – Involves strategically applied pressure to reduce blood flow to certain areas of the body. This restriction allows your body to simulate the effects of lifting heavy loads without having to apply any additional force. 10 pounds never felt so heavy! 
  • AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ – These state-of-the-art treadmills allow patients to experience walking or running anywhere between 20 to 100 percent of their body weight. This reduces the impact placed on joints and muscles, and is a great way for patients to make a smooth progression into a full recovery. 
  • Astym® – Involves the use of special tools and carefully constructed stretches on soft tissue in areas of dysfunction. This stimulates the body into producing healthy tissue in the affected area, which allows for more complete recoveries and pain-free activity. 
  • Cupping – Creates a lift effect, increasing blood flow and triggering the body’s natural healing response. Once a slight lift is created, the goal is to loosen and soften tight muscles, and bring movement and flexibility to areas that may be recovering from injury or causing you pain.

You Do NOT Need a Prescription to See a Physical Therapist

Arizona is a “Direct Access” state, meaning that depending on your insurance, you do not need a referral from a doctor in order to seek physical therapy treatment. Why is this so important? To put it simply – healthcare can be an expensive and frustrating experience, so having a system that allows you to bypass the gauntlet of unnecessary trips to the doctor will save you precious time and money. Why delay in receiving the treatment you need when you don’t have to? 

Direct Access  

If you have any questions about whether or not your insurance will cover direct access visits, feel free to reach out to a member of our Spooner team. We are more than happy to work with you to determine your specific benefits and go over your best options! 

Physical Therapy Isn’t Just About the Recovery Process

Traditionally, physical therapy has been seen as the place you get sent to AFTER you’ve experienced some kind of physical injury or trauma. However, research is starting to strongly support the use of physical therapy as a way of preventing injuries, even surgeries, from happening in the first place. 

At Spooner, your journey doesn’t have to stop once you’ve graduated from physical therapy. If you’re looking for a way to build upon the results gained through therapy, our FIT program allows you to do just that! Functional Integrated Training (FIT) allows you to receive 1-on-1 personal training, utilizing the tools and resources provided right in our clinics. 

Furthermore, if you’re an athlete looking to reach the top of your game, Spooner is home to world-class sports medicine and sports performance programs designed to help our athletes realize and reach their peak performance. 

No matter what stage in the journey you’re in, Spooner is ready to get you moving better and feeling better! 

Seeing a Physical Therapist First Can Save You Time, Money, and Get You Solutions Faster

Physical therapists are movement specialists who can assess your strength, mobility, and mechanics to ensure your body is moving and functioning at its best. Research has shown that seeing a physical therapist first for your pain and discomfort can actually save you time, money, and get you solutions faster. And with direct access, this couldn’t be easier! 

At Spooner, we offer complimentary movement assessments so you can see if physical therapy is right for you. Together, we will create a plan to help you move better and feel better! If it turns out you need to see a specialist outside of Spooner, our team will help get you connected with the best provider to address your concerns. 

Ready to schedule an appointment? Schedule an appointment or complimentary movement screen with a Spooner physical therapist or occupational therapist at one of our locations throughout the valley.