Things Just Ain’t the Same for PT’s.

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 19, 2019
By Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez

So let’s talk about physical therapy.
Do you even know what it is?
Do you know the ways in which a physical therapist can help you?

The truth is most people can’t confidently answer that question. Historically, physical therapists have been known as medical practitioners that your Doctor would recommend, when you’re suffering from long-standing or chronic pain that persists after failed anti-inflammatory injections and/or pills.

Some of this continues to be true today. However, as access to information has increased, the general public has become more educated and people are starting to seek out natural forms of pain relief, to avoid the harmful effects of pharmaceutical drugs, and treat the root of the problem. This has opened the door to a new breed of physical therapists, such as myself, who are taking initiative to educate the public on natural solutions to pain.

Our viewpoint is as follows, if we keep our bodies strong, flexible and moving frequently, we will be far less likely to suffer from common injuries. Additionally, it will help prevent aches and pains that many people accept as permanent attributing it to the ‘normal’ aging process.

It’s all about performing routine maintenance to our bodies, to prevent them from getting stiff and breaking down. This is a stark contrast to the traditional diseased centered approach to health, which consisted of waiting for a problem to arise and then taking action.

Following this principle, we have started to incorporate more wellness and recovery services at PARC, including: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Theragun, Hypervolt, Stretch therapy, Cupping, Normatec recovery, Massage and Yoga.

It’s exciting to see the healthcare industry heading towards a more preventative, health conscious approach, with physical therapists at the forefront of the “movement”… you like what I did there??? LOL

One of the most effective ways to improve our physical and mental health is to move, OFTEN.

Try these 5 movements to keep your body feeling loosey goosey.

1.Cat-cows

2. Prone cervical rotations

3. Standing rotation

4. Standing flexion-extension

5. Vinyasa flow