Not all injuries are a result of a drastic accident. Many chronic aches and pains come from repetitive movements. For example, stiff, painful shoulders and a loss of your range of motion could be caused by how you sit or sleep. Or you may have horrible back or neck strain as a result of staring at your phone or hunching over a desk. Fortunately, you can undergo physical therapy to help alleviate the pain and prevent it from returning in the future. The following ideas can help you prepare if you go this route.

Get a Referral

As a general rule, you do not need a referral to visit a physical therapy clinic if you plan to pay for the visit out of pocket. On the other hand, if you are hoping some or all of the treatment will be covered by your health insurance, you may need to visit your primary care physician first to get a referral. Every insurance company is different, so first contact your provider and find out what requirements they may have for obtaining physical therapy services. They can also provide you with a list of physical therapists that are within your insurance network.

Find Out About Treatment Options

There are many different types of physical therapy options. The type most people are familiar with is occupational therapy, which revolves around learning specific exercises to heal an issue, along with strategies to prevent future injuries and cope with long term problems. Chiropractic adjustments can also be a form of physical therapy, as can massage, isokinetics, or muscle stimulation. When researching therapists, find out what types of therapy are offered in the office so you can select one that provides the types of treatment you are interested in.

Collect Your Medical History

You will need to bring your medical history with you when you go to the therapist for the first time. Start with the obvious by bringing along your personal medical history, a list of current medications, and the names of your doctors. If you have already seen another practitioner about the injury, bring any medical records pertaining to it, including past treatment plans, for your therapist to look over. You should also bring in the health histories of your closest relatives, as many conditions are inherited. This information can help the therapist in developing a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Being prepared will ensure you get the most benefit from your physical therapy appointments. Contact a company like Burgman Chiropractic Clinic PC in order to learn more about options for physical therapy near you.