30 Aug Where Do You Get Your Health Information?

In the field of medicine, physical therapists are considered musculoskeletal experts.  Our job is to reduce pain, improve function and help patients reach their personal rehabilitation goals.  However, PTs have the unique opportunity to treat the “whole person” vs. a specific joint or region of the body.  This includes conversations about overall physical and mental health, nutrition, sleep, and of course exercise.  All of these factors play an important role in the rehabilitation process.  For example, research shows that patients who smoke will have a longer rehabilitation prognosis.  Smoking causes a reduction in the amount of oxygen carried by the blood, leading to a delayed healing response.

Physical therapists can address these non-musculoskeletal factors through sometimes minimal adaptations or referring to another medical professional.  However, sometimes the most beneficial intervention is simply education.  Many people will rely on the internet for their health education.  However, many internet sites may not have your personal well-being in mind.  With unregulated internet sources so readily available, it is relatively easy to become misinformed regarding health and wellness.  Talking with a medical professional, such as a physical therapist, will guarantee that the information you receive is in your best interest.  Below is a link to another great source for health and wellness education that is regulated by physical therapists and well respected medical professionals.

Health and Wellness Education:  http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.2014.0504