Whether you’ve had an injury or surgery, your doctor may have recommended physical therapy to help you recover and heal. After all, physical therapy is not just for athletes who took a hard fall anymore. Many people can benefit from physical therapy in Vistancia, even if they haven’t had an injury. Understanding what physical therapy is and why it’s useful for patients of all ages can help you understand why your doctor may have recommended it. Even better, you’ll understand how physical therapy can be beneficial in your own physical recovery or rehabilitation.
Physical therapy is a treatment option that uses the body to heal and itself. Physical therapists work with you, using exercises, movements, and other techniques, to improve strength and mobility and to recover from injuries or surgical procedures. Most often, a patient works closely with a physical therapist to develop specific health goals and use the treatment plan to achieve those goals.
In addition to doing exercises and activities during physical therapy sessions, a physical therapist may give patients exercises to do at home to supplement the treatment plan. The hope is that, by the end of the treatment plan, the health goals have been achieved so you can return to a pain-free, healthy life with full mobility and functionality.
Most often, physical therapy is not a replacement for medical treatment but acts as a supplement to another treatment plan put in place. With the combination of medical treatments and physical therapy, the intention is for patients to heal quickly and effectively to achieve their health goals.
There are many reasons why physical therapy is beneficial for patients. These reasons include:
There are many treatments that can be effective during physical therapy treatment plans. Some of these treatments include:
Expert physical therapists work directly with you to develop a comprehensive and customized treatment plan. Your customized treatment plan will address your physical needs and works with your abilities and limitations to achieve your health goals. Different techniques and therapies are used for different injuries and needs.
For example, a patient who went through knee replacement surgery will likely be offered a joint replacement therapy approach, but probably would not need sports injury rehabilitation unless the knee replacement was the result of a sports injury. Physical therapy is not a one size fits all solution, meaning, the variety of techniques and therapies means that you’ll get exactly what you personally need to achieve your goals.
Whether you’re recovering from a minor injury or need rehabilitation after major surgery, physical therapy in Vistancia is a good way to overcome your injury and get back to full mobility and functionality.
If your doctor has recommended physical therapy or you think your recovery would benefit from it, call Desert Edge Physical Therapy today to set up an appointment with one of our expert physical therapists.
Often times you do not need a referral from your doctor. In fact, for the state of Arizona, legislation is in place that allows for direct access to physical therapy. However, keep in mind that many insurance plans require a doctor’s referral and/or pre-authorization. The best way to determine you can start your care plan with a physical therapist would be to call your insurance company and ask about your physical therapy benefits. You’re welcome to call us and we would be happy to inquire on your behalf also.
Sometimes your customized care plan will require you to engage in activities that will stretch and strengthen your body and will be increasingly more demanding than your typical everyday physical activities, therefore, you may experience some soreness. It’s very important to communicate with your physical therapist how your body is responding to treatment because he or she will rely on your feedback to properly plan, execute, and adjust your treatment accordingly. Ongoing pain can mean there is more going on in your body than is aware, and your physical therapist can help figure out what that is and help to resolve the pain. If you’re having ongoing pains and you’d like to talk to a therapist, please feel free to call the office.
1) Print, fill out and bring the patient forms found on our website under the PATIENT FORMS tab at the top.
2) Bring your insurance card & photo ID.
3) Bring a form of payment.
4) You may also like to have a water bottle so you can stay hydrated while you work.
To read more about what to expect in your first appointment, click here.
As mentioned before, physical therapy isn’t just for healing injuries or resolving pain. It’s a great way to prevent injury or pain from happening in the first place. If you’re interested in giving physical therapy a try, give us a call. We would be more than happy to make this experience as easy as can be for you.

Mike attended Northern Arizona University where he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to pursue a career in physical therapy. After practicing in Utah for several years, he received his certificate as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). He worked for MountainLand Rehab for 7 years as a therapist, high school physical rehabilitation teacher, clinic director, and clinical improvement specialist. Eventually, the Valley of the Sun would entice him back home.
He moved his family from Salt Lake City to Phoenix in March of 2015 and began working for a local company as a physical therapist while he pursued his dream of opening his own clinic. The most fulfilling aspect of Mike’s profession is to see people recover from injury and pain so they can return to the activities that they love!
Mike is happy to serve the areas of Peoria, Sun City, and Vistancia. We would love to welcome you, your family and friends, and patients to Desert Edge Physical Therapy. Call today to see how Desert Edge Physical Therapy can help you move better so you can live better!
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