Many of us might only seek out physical therapists if we are recovering from accidental injuries or surgery. However, medical experts say these specialists can also help prevent many health problems if they are seen on a regular basis. 

我们中的许多人可能只有从意外伤害或手术中恢复过来时才能寻找物理治疗师。 但是，医学专家说，如果定期看到这些专家，也可以帮助预防许多健康问题。 

One leader in the industry, Sharon Dunn, even calls physical therapists “the best-kept secret in health care.” Dunn is the past president of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). 

该行业的一位领导者莎朗·邓恩（Sharon Dunn）甚至称物理治疗师为“医疗保健中最保鲜的秘密”。 邓恩（Dunn）是美国物理治疗协会（APTA）的前任主席。 

She recently told The Associated Press she thinks people need to look at physical therapists in a new way – as health practitioners who can help identify possible medical issues before they appear. 

她最近告诉美联社，她认为人们需要以一种新的方式研究物理治疗师 - 因为可以在出现之前帮助识别医疗问题的健康从业人员。 

Other health experts share this opinion. They include Roger Herr, the current president of the APTA, and Gammon Earhart of Washington University in St. Louis. They both shared Dunn’s prevention message in separate discussions with the AP. 

其他健康专家也分享了这一意见。 其中包括APTA现任总裁Roger Herr和圣路易斯华盛顿大学的Gammon Earhart。 他们俩都在与AP的单独讨论中分享了邓恩的预防信息。

Earhart urges people to think about physical therapists just as they do dentists. “Even if you’re not having any problem, you go in and have everything checked out.” She noted that such examinations could help find and deal with problems early. 

Earhart敦促人们像牙医一样考虑物理治疗师。 “即使您没有任何问题，您也要进去，并签出一切。” 她指出，这种检查可以帮助早期发现并处理问题。 

For example, an exam could include a patient’s health history and current health – things like physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and so on. This could be followed by a look at how a person is moving. Exams might uncover things like postural issues or unusual body movements. 

例如，考试可能包括患者的健康病史和当前健康状况 - 例如体育锻炼，睡眠，营养等。 随后可以看一下一个人的移动。 考试可能会发现诸如姿势问题或不寻常的身体运动之类的东西。 

Herr is a big supporter of yearly wellness visits. He told the AP he believes physical therapists can be helpful for all kinds of people – the young, athletes, or anyone who wants to be as “independent as possible.” 

HERR是年度健康访问的主要支持者。 他告诉美联社，他认为物理治疗师可能对各种各样的人（年轻人，运动员或任何想“尽可能独立”的人）有所帮助。

In the United States, you can now visit a physical therapist in all 50 states without needing permission from a doctor or surgeon. 

在美国，您现在可以参观所有50个州的物理治疗师，而无需医生或外科医生的许可。 

However, a yearly exam might not be covered by a person’s health insurance. This could prevent some from seeking out care. 

但是，每年的考试可能不会被一个人的健康保险所涵盖。 这可能会阻止某些人寻求护理。 

Earhart estimated such a visit in areas across the U.S. Midwest might cost around $150. Herr suggested a cost of $200-$300 in more costly areas. But both experts said that in the long run, such exams might save money and can add healthy years.

Earhart估计在美国中西部地区的地区进行了这样的访问，费用约为150美元。 HERR建议在更昂贵的地区成本为200-300美元。 但是两位专家都说，从长远来看，这样的考试可能会节省金钱并增加健康的岁月。