Why Physical Therapy Isn't Working for You in Orange County (And How to Fix It)
Sep 13, 2024
By Dr. Christian Legaspi, CEO || Founder Precizion Physical Therapy, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, Clinical Specialist Spine Fellow
Feeling Stuck in Your Physical Therapy Progress?
If you're not seeing the results you expected from physical therapy, it can be frustrating. Lingering pain or slow progress might make you question if physical therapy is right for you. As a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, I’ve helped many patients who’ve been stuck in their recovery. Let’s explore five reasons your physical therapy might not be solving your pain and what you can do to get back on track.
Misdiagnosis or Incomplete Diagnosis
Is the Root Cause Being Missed?
A common reason physical therapy doesn’t work is that the true source of your pain hasn’t been fully identified. Without an accurate diagnosis, treatment won’t address the real problem. For example, treating back pain without considering hip instability can lead to persistent discomfort.
How to Fix It
It’s crucial to work with a physical therapist who conducts a thorough assessment. If you feel something was missed in your diagnosis, consider getting a second opinion. At Precizion Physical Therapy, we focus on finding the root cause, not just treating symptoms.
Inconsistent Attendance or Lack of Commitment
Are You Attending Regularly?
Consistency is key in physical therapy. Missing appointments or skipping home exercises means you're not giving your body the chance to fully recover. Physical therapy works best when supported by efforts outside of the clinic.
How to Fix It
Make physical therapy a priority and commit to your prescribed exercises. Regular attendance, coupled with small daily efforts, will make a significant difference in your recovery.
Wrong or Generic Treatment Plan
Is Your Treatment Tailored to You?
Not all treatment plans are created equally. Generic, one-size-fits-all approaches often fail to address the specific needs of your injury. A plan that isn’t personalized can result in slow or no progress.
How to Fix It
Advocate for a personalized treatment plan. At Precizion Physical Therapy, we create customized plans tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you get the most effective care for your recovery.
Lack of Communication with Your Therapist
Are You Giving Feedback?
Communication is crucial in physical therapy. If you’re not sharing what’s working or causing discomfort, your therapist might assume the treatment is on track. Without your feedback, the plan might not be adjusted when necessary.
How to Fix It
Be open and honest with your physical therapist about how you’re feeling. At Precizion Physical Therapy, we encourage continuous dialogue to ensure your treatment plan evolves with your progress.
Unrealistic Expectations
Are Your Goals Achievable?
Many patients expect quick results, but physical therapy is often a gradual process. When progress feels slow, it’s easy to get discouraged, but recovery takes time.
How to Fix It
Set realistic goals with your therapist from the start. At Precizion Physical Therapy, we educate you on what to expect and help set achievable milestones, ensuring you're motivated throughout your recovery journey.
How to Turn Your Physical Therapy Experience Around
Reflect on the Common Pitfalls
If your physical therapy isn’t delivering the results you expected, it’s often due to one of the reasons above—misdiagnosis, inconsistency, lack of communication, or unrealistic expectations.
Who We Are
At Precizion Physical Therapy, the team specializes as the top 15% of all physical therapists in California in terms of rehab as orthopedic clinical specialists, and are the top 1% of physical therapists trained as the consummate professionals in physical therapy as fellows (the most advanced training for physical therapists). Our dedication to precizion care serves 1 mission:
Delivering the highest quality of care for the active person, guided by precizion of data & rehab, with a focus on service excellence.
Ready to Take Control of Your Recovery?
It’s time to take the next step toward recovery. Schedule a consultation today at PrecizionPT.com, and let’s get you back on track to living pain-free.
