Here to debunk your common misconceptions about occupational and physical therapy is Partner and Director Brittany Moya, CHT. What is Fact and what is Fiction?
THERAPY FICTION 1: “I don’t need to see a therapist in-person to do therapy”
Therapy Fact: A simple online search may get you some exercises or tips on how to treat a pain you are experiencing. However, those gadgets, oils and influencer tips will only take your healing so far. In order to accurately diagnose your symptoms, manage your pain, and progress your and function, a skilled set of therapy hands is required. Therapists have years of training with a Master’s or Doctorate level degree to provide expert care to you. Some techniques found on the internet may help for some time, but these do not lead to long lasting results. A therapist will evaluate you and look at all areas of need as well as develop a specialized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
THERAPY FICTION 2: “Occupational & Physical Therapy is only for injuries or accidents”
Therapy Fact: Therapy is for ALL types of pain or impairment. At Desert Hand and Physical Therapy, we are specially trained in the upper extremity to handle all things from pain in the thumb or wrist to a complex traumatic injury. Therapy has been found to be extremely effective in non-surgical care concerns, especially in carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, arthritis and sprains/strains of the fingers, wrist, elbow, and shoulders. Our patients report 75-90% improvement in functions of daily life upon discharge. We are here for you regardless of how your pain began!
THERAPY FICTION 3: “I can only go to therapy if I have a referral”
Therapy Fact: Arizona is what we call a Direct Access state. This means that the several insurance plans that allow for a patient to direct their own care, can skip the doctor and be seen directly by a therapist while still utilizing their insurance benefits. Therapists are specially licensed and trained in the evaluation and detection of problems that may not require surgical or medication intervention. If you would like more information on direct access, please reach out to our referral line at (602)231-8511 for more information.
THERAPY FICTION 4: “I have to stop doing the things I love if I go to therapy”
Therapy Fact: Your daily life is modified based off of your needs. While this may be true in some circumstances, your therapist’s goal is to teach you improved ways to continue your daily activities. Your team of therapist will teach you a new way to hold that tennis racket, maneuver that sewing needle, or hold that bicycle handle to ensure you are able to continue to do all the things you love. A therapist may recommend you pause, NOT STOP certain extra-curricular activities to heal from specific conditions, for example tendinitis. However, your therapy program is about function and restoration of function. Our goal is to get you back to what you love, pain free.
THERAPY FICTION 5: “I have arthritis. It will always hurt. Therapy cannot help me”
Therapy Fact: While arthritis is a condition that cannot be cured, it can be made remarkably better through therapeutic intervention. The joint articular surface and cartilage surrounding it cannot be regrown, but the musculature surrounding the arthritic area can be strengthened to support the bony impairment. Also, several custom orthoses can be created to improve function, decrease pain, and improve sleep hygiene. You can learn more here. Non-surgical management of arthritis conditions is absolutely indicated in therapy and can thrive in this environment.
Here at Desert Hand and Physical Therapy, our experts are ready to treat your aches and pains. We will create custom orthoses, customize treatment plans, and care for you as part of our family. To inquire about an appointment for consultation, please click HERE.
To read more about Brittany Moya MS, OTR/L, CHT, please click HERE for her bio.
