Get More Out of Physical Therapy

If you have pain, a physical therapist can analyze the way you move and then strengthen or stretch out your body so that a minor problem doesn’t worsen, says Joseph Lume, DPT, a physical therapist at the NYU Langone Orthopedic Center in New York City. They can even help with progressive conditions. For people with arthritis, for instance, PT can support joints and strengthen surrounding muscles, easing discomfort over time. “The more you can move joints,” Culbertson says, “the better off you’ll be.”

Insurance usually covers PT for pain, she says. But it’s a good idea to check your coverage and find out if you need a referral for reimbursement for certain treatments. Also, state regulations and insurer policies may limit the number of sessions you can have, including those for prehabilitation before surgery.

To get the most from your sessions, it helps to pick a goal—like getting back to playing tennis or going for hikes again—to track your progress and motivate you.