What if there was a way to know that you’ll develop chronic neck pain ten years from now? What if there was also a way to know that there’s something you could be doing now to stop it? No, you don’t need a crystal ball, but you do need a physical/occupational therapist.
How you move is a great predictor of injuries and other dysfunctions to come, and no one is better trained to identify your risks than one of our therapists. With the assistance of evaluation tools that analyze your fundamental movements, we can get a clear picture of what the future will bring for you. Our professionals rely on a number of movement screens, including ones that require certification such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMATM).
According to research including Pre-Participation Screening: The Use of Fundamental Movements as an Assessment of Function—Part I, it’s valuable to see a physical therapist for a full evaluation and movement screen before beginning a new exercise program, to improve performance in activities you already engage in and to prevent injuries down the line. This injury prevention strategy is universally suitable, not just for athletes.
Our team at A2 Physical Therapy utilizes the FMS and SFMA for both our rehabilitation and athletic divisions. It is a good indicator of risk related to repetitive use injuries. The tests help us identify faulty movement strategies and corrective exercises.
The first appointment is critical: It allows our team to establish a baseline, or a way to measure changes—both good and bad—during future appointments. The best way to track those changes is by making a habit of scheduling annual visits with one of our licensed professionals, just as you do with your primary care physician. Remember that chronic neck pain we were talking about? Your therapist is trained to detect the earliest signs of neck dysfunction, address contributing factors, and prevent the problem from growing into a major issue.
The key to effective injury prevention is to return each year for a movement scan. With annual appointments, you’ll get the reassurance that you’re moving your body properly and doing everything you can to stay healthy for many years to come.
About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association
Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the health care system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.
"A2 Physical Therapy is very professional. What I liked the most is that they are very thorough with their assessments and personalizing exercises/treatment according to my pain/limitations/injuries. I really do feel stronger and feel confident to get even stronger! Everyone has a super positive attitude which helps with motivation. Thank You!"
− A. Mun
"My wife was trying to get me to go to A2 after she was enjoying the classes. I am busy and wanted to go but always had an excuse. Well one she pre-paid for me to go. Time for me to face my fears about why I hadn’t been going because now I am going. First, I was in ok shape active just not work out shape plus what if I couldn’t beat my wife or the other women in class? What if I passed out?
As Saturday approached my fears rose and my brain searched for an excuse. Yet when I arrived at the class what I found was nothing like I was fearing, quite the opposite. Everyone is focused on their own pace. While being motivating Kristi is not forceful but positive and supportive, coaching each person at their ability.
It has not been a month of one day a week, my body has reacted by toning up, my six pack is back. My wife was mad and happy at the same time. I have been seeing a chiropractor for maintenance and recently my body is firming up and I do not feel the aches and pains of getting older. Was I sore after the first workout? Yes for a few days I was sore, but each week the soreness would decrease. After a month I am not sore but stiff the next day, feeling stronger each workout.
Thank you, A2 Physical Therapy and Kristi, for the good music and for pushing us without pressuring us."
− Mike
"I began treatment with Alika after a back injury at work. I had already been out of work 3 weeks. Alika had an immediate impact on my back health and posture, providing more relief than I had felt with chiropractic/massage. Over the following month Alika used a unique spinal technique alongside other treatments and strengthening methods to improve my condition and get me back to work. I’ve been to several other clinics in my time as a competitive athlete and Alikas therapy coupled with his attentiveness to patients problems and injuries is second to none. Would highly recommend Alika and A2 PT to anyone with back issues or P.T. needs"
− Micah