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Fall Newsletter
You may know someone whose back has “gone out.” It may even have happened to you. Back pain may make it hard for you to follow your regular routine. The good news is that there are steps you can take immediately to help relieve the pain. And, in most cases, acute back pain will improve on its own when you take care of it properly. Of course, don’t hesitate to call us at Brightmore PT to make an appointment.  Non-Medicare and non-work compensation patients can book an appointment without a prescription from a doctor, due to the Direct Access Law. We’d be happy to discuss details and help you get the care you need.

Dos and Don’ts of Low Back Pain
When acute back pain strikes, follow the simple guidelines below:
The Dos
·         Do apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours.
·         Do avoid movements that hurt; but move as much as you can.
·         Do try an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Ibuprofen or naproxen may help relieve mild pain. It may also help decrease inflammation. Your doctor can tell you which anti-inflammatory medicine would be best for you.
·         Do call your health care practitioner if your pain worsens or doesn’t improve in the first 48 hours. Or call if you feel changes such as numbness or muscle weakness.
·         Do see immediate medical care if:
o   Your back pain is the result of a severe injury or fall.
o   You notice a loss of bowel or bladder control.
o   You have sudden severe loss of sensation or function in your lower body.
o   You have an unexplained fever with your back pain.
The Don’ts
·         Don’t apply heat for the first 48 hours.
·         Don’t bend, twist, or lift.
·         Don’t stay in bed or completely avoid all activity.
These dos and don’ts can help you take care of yourself when acute back pain happens. Be sure to talk to your health care practitioner if you have any questions, notice any of the symptoms in the list above, or have repeated episodes of back pain.  Ask your health care practitioner if there are any tests, referrals, or treatments ( especially physical therapy ) that might be helpful to use along with your current treatment plan. At Brightmore PT, we can decrease your pain/muscle spasm and give you exercises for stretching and strengthening. Our goal is to get you back to normal activities and prevent a repeat episode in the future. We can also give you tips on correct form for lifting and posture.

Deductible/Out-of-Pocket Met for 2019?
Just a reminder....if you need physical therapy and have been putting it off, why not call now to maximize use of your healthcare dollars before a new
deductible/out-of-pocket begins in 2020? If your out-of-pocket is met, your cost for PT is $0 (pending plan visit maximums/details).
While every policy is different, most begin new deductible and out-of-pocket limits in January. Take full advantage of your yearly healthcare benefits now.


Call Today to Schedule
 Joliet 815-744-7108
Frankfort 815-469-9515
Plainfield 815-436-6900
Be A Wise Consumer-Not All PT Providers Are Alike
How do you choose a physical therapist? Yes, it IS your choice!
With the advent of corporate medicine, many health care professionals will try to steer you to care that is within their system or make you believe that you have to stay within their system for care. But every patient has the right to choose their health care provider. Period. Ask for a printed prescription that you can take to the PT of your choice. They cannot deny your request. We will communicate your treatment goals and progress with your doctor. Also, due to the Direct Access Law, many patients don't need a prescription to begin physical therapy care.
Keep in mind when choosing your physical therapy provider:
•Does the office use non-licensed personnel to provide the bulk of your care? (i.e. people with little/no formal training—some other PT clinics use cheap labor to save costs.) You are paying for a professional-don't settle. We believe that quality professionals provide a better outcome.
•Do you get hands-on care at your facility of choice? If they hand you a clip board and no one ever physically touches you, find another place. (We hear this complaint all the time….”no one ever touched me at that other place!”)  
•How long has the provider been in the area? We have been in the area for over 20 years.
•How many years of experience does the average provider at that clinic have? You want a dedicated, experienced group of therapists to help you achieve your goals. Our PTs have an average of 19 years of experience.
•Do they accept and file your insurance? Our billing personnel are easily accessible. We check your insurance coverage and send account updates, as needed.
•Do they have convenient hours and parking?
•Do they offer free consultations? Call us to schedule one.
•Do they give patients a home exercise program (HEP)? We can print or email your HEP.
•Is the physical therapist (PT) or physical therapy assistant (PTA) licensed? Their license should be current and on display.
Friendly reminders:
** Continue your home exercise program. Consistency is the key. Call us if you'd like to review or update it. We offer FREE PT Consultations .
** Keep an eye on our Facebook page for video demonstrations/information regarding various topics (i.e. hamstring stretches, carpal tunnel, postural exercises, etc.).
We sincerely appreciate the support of our past and current patients. Ninety nine percent of our patients said they would recommend us to a friend or relative.
We'd be happy to help you stay active and healthy. Enjoy the autumn colors!

Dave and Kathy Brightmore &
The Staff at Brightmore Physical Therapy

www.BrightmorePT.com