Why Start Incorporating an Annual Wellness PT Exam?
We see our dentists, primary care physicians and eye doctors on an annual basis. What isn’t being accounted for in these routine check-ins is perhaps the most important preventative healthcare service of all: an annual physical therapy and wellness exam to address our body’s mobility and strength via the musculoskeletal (MSK) system.
Anticipating your body’s needs before pain and injury occurs prevents invasive and costly measures like surgery and medication.
Who Can Benefit?
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Avid runners who are putting an increased amount of stress on joints, muscles and tendons
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Experienced golfers preparing for the season to begin after a long winter
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Mothers or expecting women who need to prioritize the health of their pelvic floor and core
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Dedicated student athletes whose bodies are rapidly changing and would benefit from a year-to-year measure of potential, anticipated problem areas
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Aging adults who present a higher risk of falls and balance deficits
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And anyone who has been troubled by a persistent ache or pain or wants to prevent them from happening in the future
Your annual wellness exam includes:
Your physical therapist will gather your health history and perform a series of assessments, including a screening of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems.
Part 1: Musculoskeletal Wellness Exam (~30 mins) to evaluate
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Movement
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Flexibility
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Balance and strength
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Posture and biomechanics
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Risk of degenerative changes
Part 2: Fitness Assessment (~30 mins) consisting of a series of tests and measure to offer insight on
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Cardiovascular endurance
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Muscular strength
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Muscular endurance
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Flexibility
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Body composition.
Upon completion of the wellness exam and assessment, your physical therapist will provide a report card of how you are doing, outlining personal goals and recommendations on further care, if appropriate. If no further care is necessary, you will now have a year-to-year comparison of your body’s functionality and will be able to pinpoint potential problem areas as the years progress.
