Hesitant About Going to PT
Has your healthcare provider recently prescribed physical therapy for you? Are you hesitant to make that first appointment, but not sure exactly what’s holding you back?
Physical therapy can indeed improve mobility and function following an injury, illness, or medical condition, but not everyone is always excited about going. Rest assured, with Horizon’s broad range of care and experience, patients achieve greater positive outcomes with less recovery time.
If you’re hesitant about physical therapy, or have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to reach us at 843-671-7342.
6 Points to Consider if You’re
Hesitant About Physical Therapy
Fear of pain
It’s important to distinguish between pain and soreness, and physical therapy should not cause you pain. It is the goal of the physical therapist to minimize your pain rather than make it worse. A good physical therapist will consider your pain threshold and adapt the therapy accordingly. When you participate in strengthening exercises, it stresses your muscle fibers. This impact on your muscles may cause soreness after physical therapy, but this type of soreness indicates that your exercise is strengthening, not hurting you. Prolonging therapy due to pain will only extend your original discomfort. Physical therapists at Horizon work with patients to create a treatment plan that provides great results without any unnecessary discomfort.
“At just over 3 months post-op I’m back to riding my bike and walking on the beach. I definitely recommend them and plan to go there again when I have my right knee replacement.”
— DW, OKATIE
Accountability
For many of us, no matter how much we want to take care of our own body and mind, somehow we never seem to find enough time to do it. This is where physical therapy can really help. Having a scheduled physical therapy session helps patients stay on track with consistent treatment that is both measurable and effective. A good physical therapist also helps to motivate and encourage your success. 
“I was happy with the end results and a lifetime of home workouts. Marty & Terry are a real class act. They guided me through PT that I would never have completed on my own.”
— RB, HILTON HEAD
Specialized Equipment
Physical therapy provides access to specialized equipment and therapy typically available only in a hospital or clinic setting. This includes equipment like our Alter-G Treadmill, Dry Needling, Computerized Balance Testing, ASTYM (Regenerative Soft Tissue Therapy), and even a full-size indoor Aquatic Therapy Centerquatic-physical-therapy. Depending on your specific medical needs, this type of equipment may be imperative to your rehabilitation.
Direct Access to Physical Therapy without a Referral
No physician’s referral is needed to initiate physical therapy services at Horizon Rehabilitation. Patients may not realize that when they have that sore ankle, neck, or back, they can come right in and receive physical therapy services without a referral. In the state of South Carolina, we have “Direct Access” which allows the patient to come directly to us for physical therapy services.
Experience and Knowledge
Let’s face it, we’ve all Googled our symptoms at some point searching for a quick and easy solution. The next thing you know, it’s months later, and you’re still experiencing that nagging heal pain using ineffective methods found online. One major advantage of physical therapy is the experience and knowledge they bring to their patients. Chances are, your therapist has successfully treated patients with similar symptoms as yours. Certified physical therapists at Horizon have the experience working with a variety of conditions utilizing manual therapy and the latest technology.
Don’t let things get worse
The longer you wait to address your health concerns, the more likely you are to cause more damage. Physical therapy can help reduce or eliminate pain through in-clinic sessions and prescribed at-home exercises. The goal is not just to relieve your current pain and mobility issues today, but to help you avoid pain and injury in the future.
“What a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was so positive and the staff so professional and positive. Lost for words. Keep up the great work!”
— KP, HILTON HEAD
New Patients Welcome
We pride ourselves on the diversity of our therapists, the programs we offer, and the manner in which we deliver specialized care to our patients. Please let us know how we can help you.