Movement is medicine

Physical therapy helps patients improve their wellbeing such as assisting with pain management, improving daily life activities and injury prevention through various modalities and techniques.

“It’s more than just exercise,” Dr. Krystal Anderson-Watts, physical therapy supervisor at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System said. “Physical therapy is important because a lot of Veterans sustained injuries while they served. Our jobs as physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are to prevent chronic injuries, prevent opioid use, and improve Veterans’ mobility and quality of life.”

Common injuries and pains seen within the Veteran population are lower back, knee, neck pains, and other neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Anderson-Watts said the reason for these aches is due to repetitive use such as running and heavy lifting or ignoring injuries that later worsen.

“Early intervention is important,” Dr. Anderson-Watts said. “Let’s say I sprained my ankle today and I go a year without seeing someone about it. I’ll have more pain and issues as time goes on. If I sprained my ankle today and see someone the following day, then I can allow my body to heal and recover properly. Thankfully, Veterans have same-day access to a physical therapist when they go in for a primary care appointment.”

At VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, physical therapy can be accessed through three different avenues.

1. Physical Medicine and Rehab Physical Therapy: This type of physical therapy is commonly used in outpatient settings for injuries requiring more frequent visits. For example, a patient who had surgery or fractured a bone may need physical therapy sessions to help them heal. A referral is required for this service.
2. Primary Care Physical Therapy: Physical therapists are embedded within primary care and act in a primary care provider extended role. These physical therapists assist with injuries that occurred more recently and provide same-day access if the Veteran is seen in the clinic. Physical therapy in this service requires approval from the primary care provider.
3. Complementary and Integrative Health Physical Therapy: Veterans who wish to engage in meaningful lifestyle changes to address chronic conditions can be referred to Complementary and Integrative Health Physical Therapy. This option can also be used if physical therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic did not work overtime. The Complementary and Integrative Health physical therapists are a member of a multi-disciplinary team involving chiropractors and acupuncturists. Physical therapy in this service requires a consult.

Each approach to physical therapy is aligned to the patient’s specific goals and needs.

“Physical therapy is medicine for the body,” Dr. Anderson-Watts said. “A lot of times I hear Veterans say they’ve tried physical therapy, but it didn’t work. I encourage them to try again and try with VA. We’re here to help Veterans move.”