Unlocking the Benefits of Physical Therapy with Direct Access
Sponsored by Memorial Hermann
By StoryStudio on October 1, 2024
Mitch Blitz, PT, MPT
Mitch Blitz, PT, MPT, is a physical therapist with Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation at Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Greater Heights.
— Mitch Blitz, PT, MPT
Blitz: Direct access allows patients to go directly to a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment without a physician’s referral - for a limited timeframe. This approach provides more flexibility, giving you the freedom to seek care for any issues that limit your movement and function. At Memorial Hermann, our therapists are ready to help anyone who wants to relieve pain, regain movement or improve function. Direct access broadens your options for professionals you can consult for the aches, pains and injuries that can affect your daily life.
October is National Physical Therapy Month, which is a great reminder to prioritize your health. If pain is preventing you from doing the things you love, we encourage you to take the first step toward recovery. With direct access to physical therapy, you can see a Memorial Hermann therapist without a referral.
Working with a physical therapist is a proactive way to maintain your function and prevent or recover from injuries, ensuring that you can continue doing the things you love."
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— Mitch Blitz, PT, MPT
Unlocking the Benefits of Physical Therapy with Direct Access
Direct access broadens your options for professionals you can consult for the aches, pains and injuries that can affect your daily life."
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Q: What is direct access?
Blitz: There are numerous benefits to taking advantage of direct access. The ability to receive physical therapy immediately after an injury often leads to quicker and more effective recovery. This direct access approach to care can help improve your mobility, restore strength and reduce your pain to get you on track to recovery faster.
But, no matter where you are in your healing journey, physical therapy can be a valuable tool to help you reach your goals with less pain and improved function.
Q: How can you benefit from direct access?
Blitz: You should consider seeing a physical therapist whenever pain or injury begins to interfere with your daily activities. Whether it’s a sports injury, a motor vehicle accident or even a sore neck from too much screen time, physical therapy can help address the issue before it becomes more severe. If you’re eager to return to activities like playing golf, going for morning runs or simply spending time with your kids, it’s essential to listen to your body when something feels off. Working with a physical therapist is a proactive way to maintain your function and prevent or recover from injuries, ensuring that you can continue doing the things you love.
Q: Why should I consider seeing a physical therapist?
Blitz: Physical therapy isn’t just for athletes or those recovering from surgery. Anyone experiencing pain or discomfort is eligible for physical therapy. Whether you have a minor neck pain after sitting at a computer all day or you’ve tweaked your knee while gardening, our therapists are here to help. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, regardless of their activity level or the nature of their pain.
Q: Who is eligible for physical therapy?
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Blitz: Direct access allows patients to go directly to a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment without a physician’s referral - for a limited timeframe. This approach provides more flexibility, giving you the freedom to seek care for any issues that limit your movement and function. At Memorial Hermann, our therapists are ready to help anyone who wants to relieve pain, regain movement or improve function. Direct access broadens your options for professionals you can consult for the aches, pains and injuries that can affect your daily life.
Blitz: Physical therapy is a valuable tool for addressing physical pain due to orthopedic and musculoskeletal injury, cardiovascular diseases, neurological conditions and many others. If you have pain or discomfort, going to see a physical therapist for an initial evaluation is a great place to start.
Q: What types of conditions can be treated with physical therapy?
Blitz: When you visit a physical therapist, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your current condition. During your first visit, your therapist will review your medical history, assess your pain or functional issues and take measurements such as your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure your safety during treatment.
If physical therapy is deemed appropriate, your therapist will work with you to create a personalized care plan aimed at meeting your therapy goals. This plan will include an exercise program designed to aid your recovery.
Your plan will include a combination of in-clinic sessions and at-home exercises to help you find relief and maintain progress. The exercises and number of sessions will be determined by your therapist and may vary based on your needs and progress. The goal is to empower you to be an active participant in your recovery, helping you regain mobility and function as quickly as possible.
If, however, your condition is not suitable for physical therapy, your therapist will assist you in finding the appropriate care provider to ensure that you receive the correct treatment.
Q: What should I expect at a physical therapy visit?
Blitz: Direct access to physical therapy offers advantages by allowing patients to begin treatment more quickly, without needing a physician's referral. This empowers individuals by giving them more control over their care decisions. Additionally, this approach enhances the patient’s experience by reducing delays in treatment, which can lead to quicker improvements in function and overall well-being.
At Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, we can help guide you toward the therapy or rehabilitation that is right for you. Visit memorialhermann.org/getpt or call 833.4MY.MHPT to schedule an initial evaluation.
Q: What are the advantages of direct access?
Direct access broadens your options for professionals you can consult for the aches, pains and injuries that can affect your daily life."
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