To PT or Not to PT During a Pandemic

We find ourselves in extraordinary times. Because we are Physical Therapists, healthcare is our business and helping people to overcome issues is what we do. An individual’s healthcare issue recovery plan during these days is in question when leaving your home can be deemed “risky”. There is not a playbook on each how individual should handle their unique case. We at Red Canyon Physical Therapy certainly cannot make the decision for you. What we can do is offer some facts regarding the pandemic to allow you to make your most informed healthcare decisions. According to the CDC.

1. Everyone is at risk for getting COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus. Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill, which means that they may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die. We learn more about COVID-19 every day, and as more information becomes available, CDC will continue to update and share information about risk for severe illness. You are at increased risk for severe illness if you are older or have underlying health conditions.
2. There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.

1. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
   • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
   • Stay home when you are sick.
   • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

3. You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:

1. • Fever, cough or other symptoms
   • Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider.
   • Keep track of your symptoms.
   • If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately.

4. Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.

So, to PT or not to PT during these times? Remember that if you are in a higher risk group you must weigh the severity of your issue with staying at home. COVID-19 is transmitted as droplets from people and possibly as aerosols. Therefore, at Red Canyon Physical Therapy, we believe that masks can be extremely effective in reducing the risk of transmission of the illness. All staff are required to wear masks while working. We also require all people who enter the office to wear masks as well, patients or otherwise. There are studies showing that people affected with COVID-19 and wearing a mask have a much-reduced chance of affecting other people. And if others are wearing masks then the transmission rate goes down further. Below you can see CDC data as of July 30, 2020.

Totals through July 30, 2020. *New cases/deaths compared to previous day’s data.  

Know that we are following all CDC recommended guidelines. We encourage you to call us to discuss your induvial case and we will help guide you in the healthiest and safest path possible.

*Please note this information is from the CDC as of June 30 and information changes daily.