Author: Dr. Wade Rinehart

Pain – No Pain. You choose.

Pain-No PainWhy do we have pain? A blonde goes into the doctor’s office and says, “Doctor I am in pain and need your help! “ The doctor responds and says, ”Show me where you hurt.” She commences to put her right finger on her left knee, her right hip and her head. The doctor replies, “I know what’s wrong with you…your finger is broken!”

Although pain can be very unpleasant it serves a very valuable purpose to signal us when something is wrong. It forces us into taking care of our bodies as we go about our day. Think of pain as a check engine light on your car. It is telling you that you had better stop the vehicle and take an assessment of what is wrong. If you can’t really tell what is causing the problem then what do you do? You take your vehicle into the mechanic.

Doctors of Physical Therapy are like mechanics for the body. We have the awesome privilege to be able to work on the most advanced technology ever created by God…the human body. When you are in pain and can’t quite put your finger on it ? , then you need to call First Choice Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment. Our highly skilled, knowledgeable and caring Doctors of Physical Therapy will give you an honest opinion as to what the problem might be. Our specialties include Physical Therapy spinal manipulation, headaches, TMJ, all sports injuries, auto injuries and all orthopedic surgical rehabilitation to include total joint replacements for the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders.

C.S. Lewis stated it best when he said “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
To Your Health,
Wade M Rinehart PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Feeling Awesome!

Physical Therapy SuccessWe received another Thank You note the other day. It is just a few words on a sticky note. We appreciate the first sentence, but it is the second one that really makes our day. If you have a pain that you can’t shake, please call us!

Thank you for all ya’ll did! :) Austin is feeling Awesome!!!

First Choice goes Germany

Germany wins2Over the past months the world’s most televised (yes more than the Olympics) sporting event, the FIFA Soccer World Cup has been watched by many Americans. Here at First Choice your Team of Physical Therapists and staff have followed the event closely, mainly because of one crazy German. In honor of the German national team winning the World Cup, we turned our Hawaiian shirt Friday into German soccer jersey Friday for this week!

German flag made from balloons.

We had a great time following the event but most of all we enjoyed how you, our patients got into it and had lots of fun with us. Only at First Choice can you experience first class therapy with lots of fun and laughter at the same time. Come join us next week for your therapy needs and make sure you’re ready for our weekly Hawaiian shirt Friday!!

Simon Haussmann, PTA
One Crazy German

Free School Physicals in Lynn Haven and Panama City Beach

What: Free Athletic School Physicals (Girls & Boys)
When: Saturday August 2nd, 2014
Where:

First Choice Physical Therapy in Town:
2300 Jenks Ave Ste C
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
850-248-1600

&

First Choice Physical Therapy on the Beach:
The Village at Grand Panama
11501 Hutchison Blvd
PCB, FL 32407
850-249-1603

Time: 8:00 to 10:00 am. No appointment needed, but if you are not in line by 10:00 am you will not be seen.

What to Bring: Download the physical form here, fill out sections 1 and 2, and then bring it with you to the clinic. It can also be found at your school guidance office, your coaches or online at the Bay County School Board Website.

Cost: FREE, No Charge, Nada, Zilch, Zero, Nothing.
Why: Because we love you.
Thanks to the Following businesses-

First Choice Physical Therapy

Healthpoint Medical Group

Robin Haussmann, PA-C from Surgical Associates of North West Florida

Dr. Michael Taylor, MD - Pediatric Surgery

It was our pleasure

Thank you for the testimonials.We get a lot of “Thank You” cards, emails and testimonials. We are very grateful that so many of you feel compelled to send those notes. The truth is that we are the thankful ones. As many of our patients realize, you have the right to choose were you get your physical therapy and a great many of you have chosen First Choice Physical Therapy. Surgeons and other Doctors may have a suggestion on where you could go for physical therapy, but the final decision belongs to the patient. Lots of them suggest us. If your doctor doesn’t think of us first, we hope you will let him know that you want to see us! When you do come and see us, you will likely be so pleased with the results that you may also find yourself with the urge to thanks us through email, cards or cookies.

We want to make sure you know that we are always thankful for you. It really is our pleasure to have been able to help you. Thank you for choosing us.

Making strides

happy starGordon sent an update. This is a long way from the stooped over patient in severe pain that was facing surgery. Congratulations to Gordon and all our patients who have less pain through physical therapy. Much of the reason for success lies in the patient seeking help and following the instructions and doing the exercises they given.

Hi Dr. Wade,
Just a quick note to tell you about my continued progress. This past Saturday afternoon, I walked ~4 1/2 miles in ~ 1h40m. It has been a while since … See what you have done ? I thought you might like to know.
Best, Gordon

Success!

Another happy patient and that makes us very happy. It may not always be possible to avoid surgery, but Gordon gave physical therapy a shot first and had great success!

Hi Dr. Wade,

This is just a brief note of thanks and of appreciation for what your team was able to do for me. You guys have a magic touch!

For a reminder of the state I was in when we first met, watch Toula’s Yia Yia in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. I “walked” just like that, frozen in a stoop – only I was in excruciating pain. I could barely make it across the room. I could not lie on my back or on my front and I could not sleep; I needed ice on my back all night. Two doctors had examined my MRI, and although they had quite different diagnoses, both were 100% sure they could fix my problem with surgery followed by PT. The first insisted on giving me a steroid epidural and it did nothing for me. The second wanted to try another; I never went back.

Instead I came to you for PT. And am I ever glad I did? You saw my sorry state and took me on as a special challenge.

It is now four months later. I have been erect for two months and pain free for one. I consider my recovery remarkable and owe it all to you and your team; the remarkable men and women at 1st Choice PT. They know their stuff and they are highly professional. But more than that, they genuinely care about their patients and sincerely want to help. They all made to feel welcome and they all played a part in my recuperation. It took time and hard work, but, I am happy to say, no knives.

Now that I can look everyone in the eye (literally), I want again to say “thank you all”.

Gordon Young

Soccer Game Day: U.S. vs Germany

Soccer fan


We have the Soccer spirit at First Choice Physical Therapy!! We are very excited about the game. Even those of us that don’t usually follow the sport. Fortunately we have our own German import, Simon Haussmann, who is making sure we understand the nuances of the game. Though each of us might lean towards one team winning over the other team, the friendship everyone here has for each other should keep things from getting too ugly as we root for our favorite. We all agree that what we want the most is an exciting game highlighted by some awesome shots. Here’s hoping both teams play the very best that they can!

No referral needed…

Dr. Wade Rinehart, DPT, PTIn our wonderful State of Florida, you can choose where you receive Physical Therapy services and do not need a referral from your physician? The Florida State Physical Therapy Practice Act allows patients to be seen by the Physical Therapist of their choice without the need of an order from any physician. There are some exceptions that are mandated by certain insurance carriers requiring a referral from a Primary Care Physician. This makes Physical Therapy easily accessible, efficient and affordable.

In a recent study, “Physical therapy for acute low back pain: associations with subsequent healthcare costs”, it was concluded that “Adherence to the recommendation for active care was associated with better clinical outcomes and decreased subsequent use of prescription medication, MRI, and injections. Improving adherence to this recommendation may present an opportunity to improve the cost effectiveness of care for acute low back pain.” There are many other studies that show the effectiveness of Physical Therapy interventions, but not all therapy clinics are created equal or employ the qualified individuals needed to get the quality outcomes. Bottom line…be a consumer of your own health care.

Dr. Wade Rinehart, PT, DPT

Newest TV Commercial

If embed doesn’t work go here: http://youtu.be/bboB2mMJTgs



Both locations of First Choice Physical Therapy are running strong. Patient visits continue to increase, but we have added additional staff to enable us to keep up with one of our main goals. “Our Doctors of Physical Therapy see you on time, every time.”

Accidents can happen at any time and of course they are unexpected. We hope you will remember us and give us strong consideration if you should every need help from a Physical Therapist. We promise to do our very best for you. No matter what type of muscle or skeletal pain you have, you can come directly to us without an order from another Doctor. We will evaluate your situation and help you determine your best course for recovery.

Thank you Mrs. Peel

1STCHOICEFor all of the caring & patient people at First Choice. Thank you so very much for all of the time & extra care that you have given & give to me each time I come to therapy. It makes my visit a lot less stressful. I can’t say “painless” as you know my therapy is full of PAIN! I appreciate each & every person comes in contact with me. I’m looking forward to being pain free. “Hmmmm”

The Lord led me to you & your facility for my recovery. I have no doubt about that. May the Lord bless you all. Thank you!
Mrs. Peel

We Can’t Stress It Enough

peaceful-beach-water-coolThe First thing you have to do after an injury or a surgery is to decide where you are going to go to get Physical Therapy. Your medical doctor or surgeon may suggest a few clinics. Be a consumer and research your choices thoroughly. We hope that your research will lead you to our Family at First Choice Physical Therapy. The State of Florida allows direct access which means you can come directly to our Doctors of Physical Therapy without a referral. Whichever path leads you to Physical Therapy, we know that there can be a level of anxiety when making that call to make an appointment. We want you to know that we understand your stress. That’s why we have designed our clinics with you in mind. Every aspect of your visits with First Choice Physical Therapy have been thought out and tailored to create a pleasant experience. This is our pledge to you, our valued, customer:

  • A pleasant voice to talk to when you call to set up your appointments.
  • A registration process designed to get you access to our Doctors of Physical Therapy on time every time.
  • A kind and caring office staff committed to helping you navigate your insurance coverage and benefits.
  • Highly trained and skilled Doctors of Physical Therapy who really care about getting you better.

You see, we don’t just say we care we show it every time you walk in the door. So take one last deep breath, hold it, release it slow and give us a call. Less stress starts here at First Choice Physical Therapy.