Annual Physical Therapy Exam

 

Who do you see to get an annual musculoskeletal exam? We go to our primary care doctor for an annual check-up, but this doesn't include a musculoskeletal exam. We go to a dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. Who do we see for a check-up to determine our musculoskeletal health? 

 

Your annual physical from a physician will look at your general health and screen you for any conditions that necessitate immediate medical care. Our evaluation, however, takes a very specific look at your musculoskeletal system to help reduce your risk for injury and to correct existing conditions. Our goal is to catch small faults early, and in turn, prevent larger and more costly problems in the future. Physical therapists are ideal practioners to conduct these exams because they are musculoskeletal experts and "mechanics" of the body.

 

You will receive a comprehensive evaluation of your musculoskeletal system to include numerous tests. This is a full body evaluation designed to help identify areas you can focus on to improve your overall wellness and function. This examination will help to establish a baseline of your musculoskeletal health that you can use to compare future measures showing change.

Expect a detailed report that you should save with your medical records. From the examination results, you will receive recommended action to improve your overall health to include potential follow up with other medical providers and customized exercise prescription to help address strength and flexibility impairments.

 

By design, the Annual Physical Therapy Examination is a tool to affect overall musculoskeletal health and cardiovascular fitness. We all lose strength and flexibility over time, however the increments of change are so small that we don’t notice them until we experience a deficit that effects our function. We take a proactive approach to managing movement and function to ensure that you can experience the best physical health life can offer.