Why Physical Therapy Should Be Your First Stop for Aches and Pains
We’ve all been there - waking up with a stiff back, a sore shoulder that won’t quit, or a knee that feels “off” after a weekend project or a long run. Muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone aches are common, but knowing where to go for help isn’t always easy.
That’s where physical therapy (PT) comes in. PT isn’t just for after surgery or a major injury; it can be the perfect entry point for pain and movement problems of all kinds.
Why start with PT?
Quick access to care
In many cases, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist. That means you can often be evaluated and start treatment right away, without waiting weeks for an appointment.Experts in movement and recovery
Physical therapists are trained to understand how your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones all work together. They can quickly identify what’s causing your pain and create a plan to help you heal.Avoid unnecessary imaging or medication
Many aches and pains don’t require X-rays, MRIs, or medication as the first step. PT focuses on hands-on care, exercise, and education to get to the root of the problem and avoid extra costs.Personalized treatment
No two injuries are the same. PT provides one-on-one care tailored to your body, goals, and lifestyle. Whether it’s lifting your kids, playing sports, or working without pain, your therapist helps you get back to what matters most.A safer, smarter recovery
Jumping straight into rest, painkillers, or even surgery isn’t always the best option. PT provides a safe path forward. One that helps your body heal and gets you moving again with confidence.
Common aches PT can help with:
Back or neck pain
Sprains and strains
Tendonitis (like tennis elbow or jumper’s knee)
Shoulder, hip, or knee pain
Sports or work injuries
Joint stiffness or arthritis-related pain
Balance issues
Dizziness and vertigo
What the research shows
Low back pain treatments
For low back pain, starting with PT saves money compared to treatments like injections or surgery. One summary found that initial costs for starting with PT averaged about US $3,992, versus $4,905 for injections and ~$16,195 for surgery.
Over a 12-month period, the total costs for someone starting with PT were about $11,151, whereas comparable costs for surgery were ~$36,772.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
In one analysis, the surgery group had medical costs of around $7,468, while the PT group was ~$1,829. That’s a difference of over $5,600 in direct medical costs—not counting post-surgical rehab etc.
Indirect savings (work time, productivity, etc.)
Virtual/early-access PT has been shown to reduce missed workdays (often by ~39%), which translates into savings in lost wages and productivity.
The same study (about virtual PT) estimates gross savings per patient treated (for certain musculoskeletal diagnoses) of $1,100 to $1,500+ annually, when you count reduced medical costs and reduced indirect costs like absenteeism.
Cost reductions via conservative treatment vs imaging or early invasive intervention
Patients who receive early conservative therapy (like PT or chiropractic care) often experience 24-25% lower long-term healthcare costs vs patients who receive early imaging (but delay PT or other conservative treatments).
The bottom line
Physical therapy is often the fastest and most effective first step for muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone pain. By starting with PT, you can save time, lower costs, and receive expert care that helps you heal naturally and avoid more significant problems down the road.
If you’ve been dealing with pain that just won’t go away, don’t wait. A physical therapist can help you figure out what’s going on and get you back to moving, working, and living without limits.
Call today to schedule with one of our expert physical therapists. Conveniently located throughout Central Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. No Referral is needed to schedule.