See a Therapist Today to Prevent Tommorrow's Injury
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.
"I never thought I’d love PT, but now I do! I’m so appreciative that my first Pt experience has been with the most attentive and patient people possible. I’m thrilled the progress I’ve made and feel confident in my ability to continue improving at home. A huge thanks to the entire A2 team for being so welcoming and understanding. I truly can’t offer any recommendations, as you guys have a great thing going. (except for maybe more fruit infused water. Thanks again!"
− K. Paulson
"Physically and mentally as healthy as I can be is my goal. My father lived to 93 and fairly healthy physically and mentally. My mother is 96 years old and is failing mentally and physically. I have watched the good and bad of aging. My chances of longevity is good but I want to be mentally and physically as healthy as I can be. Not until I started working out with Kristi Cruz at A2 did I know how to prepare myself for my road ahead. Kristi has given me the tools and information for me to understand what I need. She has led me by my hands and feet to improve me physically and talked and explained to help me understand the process. Working out with Kristi two or three times per week is a priority and my recipe for good mental and physical health. My name is Geri Markham and I am 71 years old. I feel as fit as I could be at my age. I have to give all the credit to Kristi Cruz at A2 for walking with me through the process. I would recommend Kristi totally if you are interested in learning to be physically and mentally healthy as you move on in life. Life is good thanks to A2 and Kristi Cruz."
− Geri
"Working with Kristi has been an amazing and rewarding experience. I started with the goal to lose weight and gain strength and after a few months she has helped me to understand what it means to live a healthy and well-rounded life. She not only provides motivation in the gym, but she is a great support system emotionally. She knows her stuff when it relates to exercises and the body. I appreciate how she brings variety to our workouts while also keeping us safe. If I could I would workout with Kristi multiple times per week."
− Sammy