Are you struggling with persistent pain, mobility limitations, or chronic symptoms? A nurse practitioner (NP) may be able to help. At Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine, we have a multidisciplinary team, including nurse practitioners, providing chiropractic care, physical therapy, and a variety of treatments for patients in New Jersey. Here, we discuss what a nurse practitioner does and when you should see one when dealing with pain or ongoing issues.
Key Takeaways
- Nurse practitioners are medical professionals who can examine patients, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat diseases.
- A nurse practitioner (NP) can help evaluate patients with persistent pain, ongoing symptoms, mobility limitations, and more.
- NPs may provide referrals, manage medications, order imaging, and coordinate care with other medical professionals.
- At Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine, nurse practitioners collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, and other specialists to provide multidisciplinary treatment plans.
What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with graduate-level education. They are similar to doctors as they can both examine patients, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications. An NP’s focus involves preventing diseases and managing overall health. They often act as primary care or specialty providers. Therefore, they can help evaluate many different health aspects, including:
- Persistent pain: Whether pain is caused by an illness, injury, or unknown source, a nurse practitioner can help rule out other causes, confirm a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan.
- Ongoing symptoms: If you have unusual symptoms, such as swelling, stiffness, pain, etc., that have been going on for a while, it’s a good idea to get checked out by an NP to get to the root cause.
- Symptom changes: Another reason to see a nurse practitioner is if you have symptom changes. Perhaps you have a condition that causes neck pain, but suddenly you’re experiencing frequent lower back pain, too. It’s smart to get evaluated to see if something else is causing the symptom or if your condition is progressing.
- Mobility issues: If you’re struggling with limited mobility that is disrupting your daily life, getting assessed by an NP can help provide relief.
When you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms or symptoms that interfere with your everyday activities, it’s time to seek medical evaluation from a nurse practitioner.
How Does an NP Fit into a Broader Treatment Plan?
At Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine, nurse practitioners are part of our multidisciplinary team. They collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, and other specialists to provide a patient-centered treatment plan that addresses each patient’s complaints and helps improve their overall well-being. Some aspects that an NP may handle include:
- Providing referrals to other specialists, such as orthopedic doctors, physiatrists, and more
- Ordering imaging scans, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs)
- Reviewing and prescribing medication, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, topical pain relievers, and muscle relaxants
- Coordinating care with other medical professionals
If a new patient comes to us for physical therapy or chiropractic care, one of our nurse practitioners will do their medical intake before they start treatment. This helps demonstrate medical necessity and make the case for continued care. Patients can also request an appointment with an NP to discuss symptoms and other treatments or services that may benefit them.
Why Choose Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine?
If you’re considering seeing a nurse practitioner to discuss ongoing or troubling symptoms, Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine is the place to go in New Jersey. Our all-encompassing team includes experienced NPs, as well as other specialists like physical therapists and chiropractors, who work together to provide high-quality, multidisciplinary care. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment at one of our 10 locations near you in Ocean and Monmouth counties in New Jersey.
Nurse Practitioner FAQ
When should I see a nurse practitioner instead of waiting it out?
You should see a nurse practitioner instead of waiting it out when your symptoms are ongoing, severe, or interfering with your daily life.
Can a nurse practitioner order imaging or make referrals?
Yes, a nurse practitioner can order imaging scans and make referrals to other medical specialists.
Can a nurse practitioner work with PT, OT, or pain management providers?
Yes, an NP often works with other specialists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain management physicians.
What happens at the first nurse practitioner visit?
At the first visit, patients receive a tour of the entire facility and learn about all the treatments and services offered, even if they are just starting with one service. They provide their insurance card and other necessary information and meet the nurse practitioner. The nurse practitioner does their medical intake and will discuss a plan for moving forward.
