No one likes going to see the doctor, whether that doctor is the dentist, general practitioner, or even a physical therapist. Even though everyone knows preventative care is always a better option than fixing something once it is broken, there's still a reluctance to take a chance and go see the doc before things get really bad. What if regular trips to your favorite physical therapist could save you from a costly (both in time and money...) surgery later on down the line? Perhaps then you'd be more likely to call in and schedule your appointment sooner rather than later.
Well. Guess what?
Physical therapy is often just as useful (if not more so) before undergoing surgery than it is as a post-surgical mode for healing. Remember the old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it?" You can take that one step further and say, "if it ain't broke, then don't break it." Physical therapy or personal training can help you do just that.
You can cut your chances of injuries like ACL or MCL tears in half by training with a professional who can help you build your muscles and your movement patterns in ways that will help you avoid these injuries. If you're a sports enthusiast but feel like you have some weakness around the knee joint then this might be the best thing you can do for yourself- if it ain't broke, then don't break it. Maybe you've already torn your ACL and think surgery is the only choice. Many people are surprised to find out that surgery isn't the only answer, you can often physical therapy instead.
Regular, well-planned weight routines can also help stave off debilitating effects of osteoporosis. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can ease joint problems and even keep chronic heart, lung, or other organ related health problems at bay.
While it can seem counter-intuitive to have a pre-injury physical therapy or personal training plan in place, it's even crazier to wait to visit your local pt until you're in such bad health you have to go under the knife (and end up at the physical therapist's office for recovery anyway...)
If it ain't broke, don't break it.