Direct Access to Physical Therapy Helps People Stay Healthy

More and more states are allowing people to have direct access to a physical therapist as opposed to being recommended by a physician. This is helping more people stay healthy with physical therapy. But what exactly are the benefits?

Physical Therapy has never been easier – in most states, including Massachusetts, people can visit a physical therapist directly to seek a personalized health evaluation.  This is called Direct Access. Direct access saves individuals time and money and makes healthcare more accessible to more people. “Examining and analyzing patients, and finding the true cause of their condition so you can improve upon it, is very rewarding for a physical therapist,” says Dr. Kevin McGovern, founder of McGovern Physical Therapy Associates and Game 7 Sports Training (TM).
 
Physical therapists are independent clinicians that are highly skilled in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders; they are trained to easily recognize when a patient should be sent to a physician for further evaluation.

“Physical therapists often encounter children and adults who have experienced difficulties making physical activity a part of daily life. The guidance and encouragement of a physical therapist who understands individual needs, priorities and challenges, and who is able to closely support and monitor progress, can be the determining factor in helping an individual to achieve his or her goals,” according to the American Physical Therapy Association.

McGovern Physical Therapy Associates offers individuals the opportunity to receive treatment from the core out, with a customized program. For example, most physical therapy practices will work on the shoulder, but not in relation to other parts of the body. If someone hurts their shoulder, the shoulder is connected to the shoulder blade and the back, so they should treat the whole area. Working from the core out, with a personalized program, is what gets results.

Game 7 is about improving the health of individuals by training in an innovative and scientific manner, and decreasing the chance of injury or setback. Game 7 trainers personally address every client’s needs, wants and goals. Game 7 Trainers and their clients collaborate on each individual goal and make a plan to reach the goals they set. When clients enter the program, the client is tested with The McGovern Movement Score. This series of tests is also an integral diagnostic tool used by McGovern Physical Therapy Associates as well. The MMS is a quantifiable measure of basic human movement and strength. The MMS delivers useful data that will show the movement quality of the person in many different challenges. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that every individual exercises at their level and virtually eliminates injury; it helps them to gradually achieve and maintain good health and fitness in increments.

Direct Access means individuals have the freedom to access McGovern Physical Therapy Associates and Game 7 without a physician referral.  By taking advantage of Direct Access to physical therapy, individuals will achieve better functional outcomes and results, as well as faster and more cost-effective healthcare.

About Dr. Kevin McGovern

Dr. McGovern is the founder 3 growing companies:

• McGovern Physical Therapy Associates, one of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in the U.S., recognized by Inc. Magazine;

• Game 7 Sports Training (TM), a physical-therapy-designed strength and conditioning company; and

• Velocity Rx, a physical therapy-designed rehabilitation & instruction program for athletes.

Dr. McGovern is also the inventor of the McGovern Movement Score (MMS), which measures the quality of basic human movements and how well one moves to help predict possible future injury. Dr. McGovern has been analyzing the biomechanics of golfers and baseball pitchers for over 15 years in order to improve athletic results.  As a sports enthusiast and athlete himself, his passion is helping people get in the best possible shape for a healthier, happier life. Visit him at www.mcgovernpt.com.

About McGovern Physical Therapy Associates:

Combining innovation, experience and excellence, McGovern Physical Therapy Associates has been a leading provider of outpatient physical therapy care for over 10 years, providing customized treatment programs designed to fit each patient’s needs in an optimal healthcare environment where true patient recovery exists.

McGovern Physical Therapy Associates is a 2010 recipient of the Inc. Magazine 5000, a list of the 5000 top growing companies, and was voted Best Physical Therapy Practice by ADVANCE magazine. Visit them at www.mcgovernpt.com.

About Game 7 Sports Training (TM):

Founded by McGovern Physical Therapy Associates, Game 7 Sports Training (TM) is a physical therapy-designed fitness center with programs customized for individual needs. Through an innovative and scientific manner, Game 7 is an effective method for preventative injury care and maintaining overall optimum health at any fitness or age level. Visit them at www.game7sportstraining.com.