Addressing The Pitfalls of the traditional Physical Therapy model: Our Alternative Solution

In an era where health and wellness are at the forefront of public consciousness, physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall quality of life. However, despite its benefits, there are significant pitfalls within the traditional physical therapy model that can leave some patients feeling underserved. Continue reading as we outline these pitfalls and highlight our unique and alternative approach to solving pain problems at Milestones Movement Therapy.

**Disclaimer: the pitfalls below to do not reflect every Physical Therapy practice. However, in our years of working with people in pain in addition to our own experiences, these are the patterns we have seen reported.

Understanding the Challenges in Traditional Physical Therapy

1. Compartmentalized Treatment Traditional physical therapy often treats the body in isolated segments, focusing on specific areas of pain without considering the interconnectedness of the entire system. This can result in temporary relief but may not address the root causes of discomfort, leading to recurring issues.
2. Limited Time with Therapists In many clinics, physical therapists are tasked with managing multiple patients simultaneously, leading to brief and sometimes impersonal sessions. This lack of dedicated one-on-one time can hinder the development of a personalized treatment plan and slow the healing process.
3. Generic Protocols While standard protocols can be beneficial for certain conditions, they often fail to consider or have enough time to experiment with individual differences and unique needs. This cookie-cutter approach can limit the effectiveness of treatment, particularly for those with complex or atypical issues.
4. Patient Empowerment (or Lack Thereof) Traditional physical therapy may not always prioritize patient education and self-management, leaving individuals feeling passive in their recovery. Without the tools and knowledge to maintain their progress, patients may struggle once therapy ends.
5. Insurance Challenges Navigating insurance coverage for physical therapy can be frustrating and confusing. Many insurance plans limit the number of covered sessions, impose high co-pays, or require extensive documentation for approval. These barriers can make it difficult for patients to receive the consistent care they need, leading to interrupted or incomplete treatment.

How Milestones Movement Therapy Provides a Holistic Alternative
At Milestones Movement Therapy, we recognize these challenges and aim to offer a non-medical solution that focuses on optimizing biomechanical function and tailoring solutions to each individual. We call this movement therapy! Our approach is designed not to replace physical therapy, but to complement it, or offer a solution for those who have not found success with traditional medical care.
​

1. Holistic View of the Body We believe in treating the body as an interconnected system. Our holistic approach considers how various parts of the body influence each other, allowing us to identify and address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction.
2. One-on-One Coaching At Milestones, every client receives a full hour of dedicated one-on-one coaching with a skilled movement therapist. This personalized attention ensures that we can spend the time with each individual to achieve success.

3. Emphasis on Client Education and Empowerment We are committed to empowering our clients through education. Our movement therapists take the time to explain the mechanics of pain and injury, teaching clients how to manage their conditions and prevent future issues. This emphasis on self-management fosters independence and confidence, enabling clients to take an active role in their health.
4. Critical Thinking and Customization Rather than relying on generic protocols, we think critically about optimal joint function and overall movement patterns. Our therapists use their expertise to develop customized plans that address each client's unique biomechanics, leading to more targeted and effective treatments.
5. Flexibility and Accessibility By providing services outside the constraints of traditional insurance models, we offer greater flexibility and accessibility for our clients. This allows us to focus on delivering the care that each individual truly needs without the limitations often imposed by insurance companies.
6. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy seems to be trending out of traditional care. We view manual therapy as a great way to open therapeutic windows to allow for pain free movement. We find that working hands on with the tissue can lead to profound changes both physiologically and psychologically for our clients.
​
A Complementary Approach to Traditional Care
Milestones Movement Therapy is dedicated to providing a complementary solution for those who have felt let down by the traditional medical system. Our holistic, individualized approach offers an alternative path to recovery, focusing on long-term health and wellness.

If you are in the Davis California area and wonder if we can help your pain issue, click the link below to sign up for a COMPLETELY FREE 15 MINUTE PHONE CALL with one of our movement therapists to see if working with us may be a good fit

Book Phone Consult Here