Winter Garden Magazine December 2018 | Page 5

• A thorough examination that includes assessing the quality and quantity of your movements, and any movement behaviors that might put you at risk for delayed recovery. • Tests to identify signs or symptoms that could indicate a serious health problem, such as broken bones or cancer. will set realistic expectations for recovery, with or without opioids. Physical therapists help you help yourself. Physical therapists empower you to be an active participant in your own treatment. Depending on the severity of your pain, your therapist may work collaboratively with other health professionals to ensure a comprehensive course of treatment. Physical therapy is cost effective. A recent study shows patients with LBP who consult physical therapists early in their treatment processes incur lower out-­of-pocket An active treatment plan from a physical therapist can medical costs, with less probability of accruing expenses help you improve your mobility while managing your associated with opioid prescriptions, advanced imaging pain, whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain. services or emergency room visits. • Assessment of how you use your body at work, home, during sports and at leisure. Here are four reasons to choose physical therapy for your back pain: Physical therapy is accessible. You do not need a physician referral to access physical therapists’ services in the U.S. Physical therapy is a safe and effective alternative to opioids. While doctor-­prescribed opioids are appropriate in some cases, choosing a safer alternative, like physical therapy, eliminates the risk of misuse and avoids the potential negative side effects. Your physical therapist When it comes to your health, you have a choice. Choose more movement and better health - choose physical therapy. To find more information and a physical therapist in your area, visit MoveForwardPT.com. Choose expert OB-GYN care in your neighborhood . Call (321) 841-3724 to schedule an appointment. Or visit OrlandoHealth.com/WestOrlando to browse our other physicians in West Orlando. José Llinas Messeguer,MD OB-GYN Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital Ocoee Speaks Spanish Katherine Bautista, DO OB-GYN Orlando Health ER and Medical Pavilion – Horizon West, Winter Garden Shereen Oloufa, MD OB-GYN Orlando Health Physician Associates 1134 Kelton Ave., Ocoee Speaks Arabic DECEMBER 2018 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |   5