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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus a global pandemic. Quarantines went into effect around the world, kids began remote learning in our country and many Americans suddenly became unemployed. With the exception of essential workers on the front lines, economists report job loss to be its highest since The Great Depression.
Added to these factors, the pandemic has placed significant financial strain on hospitals across the United States. Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and health care institutions reaching capacity have created an overwhelming situation for medical workers.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, physical therapy has played an important role in reducing the number of patients in our emergency rooms.
Where Patients Access Care
Prior to the pandemic, someone experiencing chronic pain, dizziness or a sports injury would likely seek medical care at a hospital or urgent care center. Did you know these conditions can often be treated by a physical therapist?
As we continue to navigate the changes brought on by COVID-19, people are encouraged to seek medical care in a smaller setting. With many larger facilities treating patients who have contracted the virus, entering a hospital setting for a minor condition could lead to unnecessary exposure. During this time, the CDC recommends doing all we can to mitigate risk of spreading Coronavirus.
Depending on the condition, working with a licensed physical therapist may eliminate the need for a hospital stay or surgery. Our treatment methods support the body’s natural healing process and can help prevent the progression of certain conditions.
You might be thinking, “Don’t I need a referral from my doctor?” Through Direct Access, patients can see a physical therapist without a physician’s prescription! This initiative lets patients take control of their care, expedite treatment and potentially save time and money in the long run.
Improvement Through PT
Another concern brought on by the pandemic was a delay in elective or non-life-threatening surgeries. In some cases, physical therapy can assist patients awaiting surgery to manage pain.
Additionally, physical therapists are trained to identify other medical conditions that may require a specialist. If we discover an issue that could benefit from treatment beyond what we provide, we may be able to directly refer that patient to another professional. This could expedite recovery and help the patient avoid unnecessary visits to multiple doctors and facilities.
If you have recently suffered an injury or underwent surgery, it’s important to rehabilitate with a physical therapist. Skipping your healing exercises could compromise recovery, lead to complications and result in preventable hospital stays.
We continue to treat patients safely and effectively for musculoskeletal pain, injuries, balance issues and more.
To learn more, contact one of our Connecticut offices today!