38 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com By Janet E. Perrigo Traditionally, when a person experiences an injury or symptomatic pain, the first stop is the family doctor or possibly a specialist. While expensive diagnostics such as an MRI might be the next appointment, an alternative would be to send the patient to physical therapy, even if surgery may be indicated in the near future. Excel Rehab & Sports, located in Easley, Clemson and Seneca, offers an alternative pathway to relief and recovery – one that can have multiple benefits to the patient. Using specific strategies and personalized treatment plans central to their “patient first” mission, Excel’s team has created a therapeutic process that encourages early access to physical therapy, patient education about their conditions and a whole-person approach to health and wellness. According to South Carolina Chief of Physical Therapy David Bright, PT, MPT, COMT, “We empower patients to become part of the healing process when we take the time to explain the reasons behind their care plans and the benefits provided toward sustaining their goals and lifestyles. Physical therapy is a versatile option that can, in many cases, provide immediate or quick relief from debilitating pain. Although results are specific to each individual, many patients see relief in their symptoms in as few as two treatments. Most patients experience full recovery in four to six weeks.” With Excel’s collaborative model, the practice of early physical therapy as a presurgical pathway uses these health care resources as a qualified extension of the medical diagnosis. Physical therapy can help determine the pain source and possible nonsurgical or medicative solutions. Together, the patient, the patient’s doctor and the physical therapy team maximize positive results, whether the therapy is offered before or after surgery. Additionally, Bright believes presurgery therapy has several ancillary benefits: “Receiving early physical therapy can not only save patients money by potentially avoiding costly diagnostics and specialists but can also shorten the time and opportunity for the patient’s condition to worsen or cause added pain by compensating in other ways while executing daily living activities. Short- and long-term independence is at risk when pain indications are left unevaluated and, in many cases, untreated.” Excel Rehab & Sports is intentional about developing and maintaining strong ties to the medical community to ensure that local physicians remain aware of the therapy and resources it can provide. To accomplish this, Excel prioritizes gaining trust and confidence by delivering effective treatment outcomes to every patient they treat and every doctor they serve. Most patients generally follow their doctor’s recommendations for care. However, when providers express confidence in their continuing care, patients sense this from the start of the referral process and are more willing to comply with the care plan, resulting in more positive outcomes. Because Excel Rehab & Sports continues to build solid relationships with local providers, its patients are better prepared to unPHYSICAL THERAPY: COULD IT BE YOUR PATHWAY TO RECOVERY? SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT
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