Blog - Peachtree City Physical Therapy - The Mobile Athlete

What is 'Performance' Physical Therapy?

Written by Dr. Shawn Daniel | Sep 15, 2023 12:49:37 PM
You may have already experienced traditional Physical Therapy, but have you ever wondered what sets a 'Performance' PT apart?

Chances are, if you've had an injury, you've sought out Physical Therapy. While PT is generally effective in alleviating pain and helping you recover, it's often not an experience you eagerly anticipate. You go in, spend a few minutes with the PT for some stimulation or hot packs, do some exercises on the bike or floor, and then you're out the door.

Sure, you feel better afterwards, but it's not exactly something you look forward to.

That's where Performance Physical Therapy comes in. It's a whole new level of PT that you actually look forward to.

1. The Hybrid Approach

Performance Physical Therapy takes a unique approach by combining manual therapy techniques with exercise. We call it a 'hybrid' approach, and the balance between the two depends on your individual needs. If you're in a lot of pain or recovering from an injury, your session may involve more manual therapy, dry needling (which you simply have to try), and other myofascial release techniques to calm your nervous system and restore your mobility. Once your pain is under control, we shift the focus to stability, helping you maintain your range of motion and strengthen your body to ensure long-lasting pain relief. We firmly believe that movement is the best medicine, and once you can move safely, that's the ultimate prescription.

2. Treating You, Not Just the Problem

Unlike traditional forms of therapy, Performance Therapy doesn't just aim to alleviate your pain temporarily. We go beyond that.  We take a comprehensive approach.

Step #1: We relieve your pain.

Step #2: We identify and address the root cause of your problem, fixing it for good.

Step #3: We provide you with the tools to not only return to your pre-injury state but to become stronger than ever, ensuring you don't get hurt again.

Our three-step process is what sets us apart and makes us the best choice for your recovery.

3. A Cash-Based System

You might be hesitant about a cash-based system, but let me explain why it's actually better. Traditional Physical Therapy clinics that accept insurance are bound by the rules set by insurance companies. This means that their treatment procedures are dictated by the insurance company, rather than being tailored to your specific injury. As a cash-based practice, we have the freedom to treat you as an individual, not just your symptoms. We can dedicate a full 60-minute session to you, one-on-one, and incorporate progressive modalities like dry needling, functional exercise, and return-to-sport procedures that insurance wouldn't cover. And here's the best part: traditional insurance-based PT tends to take longer for you to recover and ends up costing you more in the long run. With cash-based PT, you'll recover faster and know upfront exactly how much you'll need to pay. So, which option sounds better to you?

4. The Holistic Approach

A Performance PT is not just someone who helps you with your injury. Our PTs have a background in health and wellness, enabling them to assist you in all aspects of your life. When addressing your injury, we don't only focus on the site of pain; we delve deep into your sleeping habits, stress levels, current exercise routine, and other lifestyle factors. At The Mobile Athlete in Peachtree City, you'll not only get relief from your pain but also receive a comprehensive daily exercise routine and an accountability buddy who will guide you through each step of the process.

5. Getting You Back and Better at Your Sport

This is the best part, in my opinion. If you're an active person who has undergone traditional Physical Therapy, you may have found that although your pain temporarily subsided, it returned as soon as you resumed your activities. Most PT clinics can alleviate pain but lack the ability to help you fully return to your sport due to insurance restrictions. However, at The Mobile Athlete, we take the weeks following pain relief to develop specific stability and mobility tailored to your sport, so you can confidently return to doing what you love. If you injured your shoulder while playing golf, you can expect your Physical Therapy to include strengthening your golf swing. Need stronger knees for race season? Your treatment plan will not only address your knee pain but also strengthen your hips, quads, and knees, providing greater endurance for a full season of racing.

These are just four reasons why Performance Physical Therapy surpasses Traditional Physical Therapy, but the list could go on and on.

Are you ready to get started?

Or do you need more convincing?

Let's have a FREE 15-Minute Phone consultation with a member of our team, and we would be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have!

All the best, 

Dr. Shawn