Physical therapists should be looked at as primary care like your doctor and dentist. You get your routine dental cleanings twice a year and go to your internist annually for your blood pressure screening and lab work. Why are you not going to a physical therapist to get your physical musculature skeletal health screening, a movement test, and get your posture checked? Add physical therapists to your list of health care providers to see for regular checkups, not just when you are in discomfort or experiencing pain. Identifying where you are falling short will allow you to be proactive and prevent problems.
Change your mindset of seeing a physical therapist only in times of injury and when you are recovering from surgery. Preventative care is crucial and that is one of the many other benefits of physical therapy, visit your physical therapist on a regular basis.
Meet our Physical Therapy Director, Leanne Reed, DPT
In high school, I was a competitive swimmer and gymnast. I had issues with my knees which ultimately led to surgery in both knees. I also hurt my shoulders so I learned the importance of physical therapy early. I knew right out of the school that physical therapy was what I wanted to do. I enjoy helping people have better quality of life through their different stages and getting them to places they never thought were possible without surgery. I truly love what I do.
We have many different specialists working at the Wellness Club, so former physical therapy patients have come to see us as their maintenance. Periodically, when something gets flared up or they have a new issue, we switch to physical therapy again.
At Wellness Club, we get to know our patients and their bodies, we know their history, we know what their normal is, we can catch any deviation from that normal and we can re-train, correct and prevent possible injury. That is why they continue to see us over the years.
In Good Hands, literally
Q: What type of people do you see and treat?
Leanne: Wellness Club helps the everyday person (both active and non), athletes, those recovering from or preparing for surgery, people with chronic issues, and those who just feel something with their body is “off.” Wellness is about everyday function and movement which affects everyone.
Q: What is your role in Wellness Club’s “integrative” approach?
Leanne: After the initial consultation, I will recommend additional modalities to complement our PT work. This may include massage, acupuncture, diet, Pilates, and even one-on-one training. We will create a plan for your goals, which I will share with our specialists. My PT team will oversee your program and progress every step of the way.
Q: How long should a person plan to be in Physical Therapy to achieve his/her goals?
Leanne:Though different for each person, the goal is the same: long-term mobility, balance and strength. Your work shouldn’t end once you’re feeling better. The services we offer at Wellness Club are also ideal for maintenance. Continue to use and enjoy Wellness Club and, should something flare up or a new issue arise, we will always catch it on time, and switch back to physical therapy if needed. Our team gets to know our patients and their bodies. That is why people continue to see us over the years. We know their history, and what normal looks like for them.
Q: What if more than Physical Therapy is needed to address a more serious issue?
Leanne: We want our patients to have options besides just medication, surgery and injections. People prefer those as a last resort. If surgery is necessary our PT can prepare you for it. We work on strengthening and flexibility, and with that, you are more likely to have a better outcome and less recovery time.
Q: What is the difference between a patient and a client?
Leanne: There are overlaps, but more commonly, a patient is someone with an injury or ailment who requires correction. You don’t have to be in pain because there’s not necessarily a dysfunction. The goal is to address why you got injured in the first place and prevent re-injury. It involves retraining your body. We refer to clients as those who opt to use our services (massage, naprapathy, acupuncture, wellness classes, Reiki, nutrition, etc.) to complement his/her lifestyle and for optimal movement and stability.
Q: Why is Physical Therapy important for everyday life?
Leanne: Physical therapy has a stigma. People assume if you are going to PT that something is terribly wrong. In actuality, it is just retraining and correction. For example, if you’re not working at a desk all day, most of us still spend a lot of time on the computer, on the phone, and driving. We tend to be in a crunched position, causing posture, neck and shoulder issues. That affects your overall movement and comfort.
Physical therapists should be looked at as primary care like your doctor and dentist. PT is a checkup for your musculature skeletal health, movement, and posture. If not addressed and corrected, long-term issues could arise which were preventable.
Attention Weekend Warriors, CrossFitters and Athletes
Be honest. Your body doesn’t always match your athletic mindset. In our experience, we see more women than men, (possibly because men tend to follow the exercise motto "No pain, no gain", which could be very misleading when it comes to things like sudden shoulder pain...) but men equally need care. You may not be able to lift as much as you did in your 20s, run without needing to stretch or exercise and play as hard as you used to when your body was younger and more flexible. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do what you enjoy and what makes you feel good.
Generally, men tend to be stronger but stiffer and tighter than women. Women are usually more flexible. This could be caused hormones and a difference in anatomy and natural structure, which are meant to prepare women for child birth. Yes, there are natural differences between the sexes, but gender doesn’t necessarily lead to more common ailments in one than the other. If you know your body and listen carefully to any changes and alerts, you can still get your fix of adrenaline and be active to stay fit without much of a risk. Always remember, proper assessment can prevent injuries with a few corrections and modifications. It is way easier to prevent than to correct after an existing injury.
Schedule your Posture Analysis or Screening session, don't wait, learn your body and be proactive!