Why You Should Add a Physical Therapy Exam to Your Annual Health Screens

When you think of annual checkups, you probably picture your primary care doctor or maybe your dentist. But here’s one you might be missing: your physical therapist.

Just like yearly physicals help catch medical issues early, an annual physical therapy exam is a proactive way to stay ahead of pain, injury, and mobility loss. Think of it as a tune-up for your body—a personalized check-in to keep you moving well for years to come.

What Is an Annual PT Exam?

An annual physical therapy exam is a full-body assessment led by a Doctor of Physical Therapy. It typically includes:

• Posture assessment

• Functional movement screening (walking, squatting, etc.)

• Full body strength testing

• Flexibility and mobility testing

• Balance and coordination evaluation

• Neurological screen

• Review of past injuries or current discomfort

• Personalized recommendations for exercise, mobility, and injury prevention

  
  

Catch Problems Before They Start!

Most injuries don’t happen out of nowhere—they build over time from small imbalances or poor movement patterns. An annual PT screen can spot early signs of trouble like:

• Decreased joint mobility

• Weakness in supporting muscles

• Poor posture or movement patterns

Catching these issues early helps you avoid bigger problems later—problems that are much harder to fix once tissues are damaged and pain sets in.

Understand Your Body

One of the biggest benefits of a PT exam is understanding your body and having comparative measurements from year-to-year. You may feel strong and stable, but a significant loss in strength or balance compared to the previous year could indicate a potential problem. And that’s power—because you can’t fix what you don’t know is broken.

Follow-Up on Past Injuries

That old ankle sprain? The back pain you "just live with"? A PT can check how those past injuries are affecting your movement now and help you prevent them from flaring up again (or even worse, causing other injuries).

Your Movement System Matters!

You get your eyes, teeth, and heart checked every year—your movement system deserves the same care. An annual physical therapy exam is one of the smartest, simplest steps you can take to protect your health, independence, and quality of life.

Physical therapy isn't just for rehab—it's for longevity. Whether you’re recovering, preventing, or just maintaining—your body is worth it. Schedule your annual physical therapy exam—your future self will thank you!