Three Signs You May Need to See a Physical Therapist in Addition to a Chiropractor
Although chiropractors can massage your muscles to loosen them up before an adjustment and can assign you physical therapy-type exercises to do at home, they’re not massage therapists or physical therapists (in most cases). And while your chiropractor can handle some musculoskeletal problems that don’t seem directly related to the spine, some problems are likely to need the attention of a licensed physical therapist as well. Here are a few signs that you may need to head in that direction.
- You’re sure the problem isn’t spine-related
You’ve probably heard miracle stories about people who went to the chiropractor and magically had their temporomandibular (TMJ) or migraines resolved by a spinal adjustment. However, just because their headaches were helped by a spinal adjustment doesn’t necessarily mean your sports injury will be. Of course, that’s not to say you don’t need to see a chiropractor; you may well have ended up with a subluxation as well as tendon damage during that football tackle. But your torn tendon should be more of a priority, so you should probably see the physical therapist first.
- It’s an unusual injury
Sports injuries as a group are quite common, but there’s always a chance that you’ll get an uncommon one that requires specialist knowledge, and the same goes for occupational and other injuries. If you have a common problem like carpal tunnel syndrome, your chiropractor can probably help you with that, but if you have a less common issue with one of the other nerves in your hand you may need an appointment with a physical therapist who specializes in hand therapy.
- Your injury hasn’t responded well to chiropractic treatments
If you’re a regular chiropractic patient, congratulations; regular adjustments can significantly improve your overall well-being. But not all injuries are alike, and not all bodies respond the same way to treatments. Your current injury, if it doesn’t seem to be responding well to chiropractic care, may need to be looked at from a different perspective. Going to a physical therapist can be another holistic option if you feel you need a second opinion on how to treat it and don’t want to jump straight to surgery.
These are three situations in which going to a physical therapist may be a good bet for you, even if you’re a longtime chiropractic patient. Don’t stop going to a chiropractor just because you also have physical therapy needs, but don’t let your loyalty to your chiropractor keep you from getting physical therapy either.
About Bryn Mawr Chiropractic Care
Dr. Eric Chesloff, D.C., Ph.D, is a board-certified chiropractor serving the Philadelphia Main Line since 1984, including Lower Merion Township, Haverford Township, Radnor Township, Tredyffrin Township, Easttown Township, Willistown Township, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County, . Services provided include gentle spinal adjustments, sports injury care, family care, auto accident care, and health education.
BRYN MAWR CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Eric G. Chesloff, D.C., Ph.D.
Rosemont Plaza
1062 Lancaster Avenue
Suite 15-I
Rosemont, PA 19010
(610) 527-8491
DrChesloff@BrynMawrChiropractic.com
www.BrynMawrChiropractic.com
Hours are by appointment, Monday through Saturday. Insurance is accepted, as applicable. Dr. Chesloff is a Medicare provider.
Lower Merion Township PA, Haverford Township PA, Radnor Township PA, Tredyffrin Township PA, Easttown Township PA, Willistown Township PA, Montgomery County PA, Delaware County PA, Chester County, PA, Aldan, PA 19018; Ardmore, PA 19003; Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004; Berwyn, PA 19312; Broomall, PA 19008; Bryn Mawr, PA 19010; Chesterbrook, PA 19087; Chester Springs, PA 19425; Conshohocken, PA 19428; Daylesford, PA; Devon, PA 19333; Gladwyne, PA 19035; Gulph Mills, PA 19428; Haverford, PA 19041; Havertown, PA 19083; King of Prussia, PA 19406; Malvern, PA 19355; Merion, PA 19066; Merion Station, PA 19066; Narberth, PA 19072; Newtown Square, PA 19073; Paoli, PA 19301; Penn Valley, PA 19072; Penn Wynne, PA 19096; Philadelphia, PA; Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462; Radnor, PA 19087; Rosemont, PA 19010; St. Davids, PA 19087; Strafford, PA 19087; Villanova, PA 19085; Wayne, PA 19080; West Chester, PA 19382; West Conshohocken, PA 19428; and Wynnewood, PA 19096. Pennsylvania.