There are a number of research studies supporting the use of early physical therapy to reduce subsequent health care utilization and overall costs: “The influence of patient choice of first provider on costs and outcomes: Analysis from a physical therapy patient registry” (1) Patients who chose to begin care with a physical therapist (via direct
By Michelle Steege PT, DPT While listening to the radio recently, the host was talking about New Year’s Resolutions being less common than they used to be. He said that people are more comfortable starting a resolution at any time of the year. Whether or not this is true, I don’t know. It did, however,
By Michelle Steege PT, DPT The recommendations given to someone experiencing low back pain have changed drastically over the years. Previously bed rest was often encouraged, which is much different than today. Parameters vary, however “active rest” is encouraged for a large number of musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal pain. So what does “active rest” mean?
By Michelle Steege PT, DPT Stretching has been a hot topic for years, and there are still a number of unanswered questions and inconclusive data regarding it. What we do know is there are many different ways to stretch and there are benefits—most notably increasing flexibility and joint mobility. The amount of flexibility and mobility
By Motion Physical Therapist: Dr. Michelle Steege PT, DPT Diagnostic imaging, most commonly x-ray, MRI or CT, can provide very useful information for diagnosis of common musculoskeletal injuries. But is that x-ray or MRI always necessary? The short answer is no. While there are instances where imaging is invaluable, routine imaging for musculoskeletal injury can