People of all ages and abilities have experienced the benefits of physical therapy such as reduced pain, improved motion and restored functionality to achieve a long-term quality of life.
However, common myths about physical therapy may keep some from getting the help they need. We’ve decided to highlight a few of these misconceptions and set the record straight.
Myth 1: Physical therapy is painful.
Truth: It’s true many people who come to physical therapy are in pain. But that doesn’t mean they have to remain in a state of discomfort.
Physical therapists are trained to assist people in regaining their motion, strength or stability in incremental and safe steps. They can even assess the activities or positions that cause pain and give strategies to minimize discomfort or uncover the reasons for the pain.
Myth 2: I need a referral to see a physical therapist.
Truth: Physical therapy is a direct access service. As of January 1, 2015, you can be evaluated by a physical therapist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia without a referral from a physician. So there’s no need to delay care waiting for an appointment with a doctor.
Even if your insurance requires a prescription, a physical therapist can evaluate you, communicate their findings with your physician and assist in getting the necessary information to your insurance company. Read our blog to learn more about direct access.
Myth 3: I have to see the physical therapist I’m referred to.
Truth: If you get a prescription from your doctor for physical therapy, the referral may have information of a physical therapy clinic associated with or near the doctor’s office making it seem like you are required to go there. The good news is that the prescription is valid at any physical therapy clinic, so you can shop around for a clinic that meets your exact needs.
You will likely find most clinics have physical therapists that are managing several patients at once or have limited interactions with their patients after the initial evaluation. At Set PT, we specialize in providing quality expertise and giving you our undivided attention for one hour! This allows us to be more efficient and responsive in our treatments to better help you reach your goals.
Myth 4: Physical therapy is only for injuries and accidents.
Truth: People often come to physical therapy for rehabilitation after a serious injury or accident. But did you know physical therapy also plays an essential role in injury prevention?
As musculoskeletal experts, physical therapists use their knowledge of proper work postures and body mechanics to correct stressors that lead to soft-tissue injury to help avoid exacerbation of minor issues. Here are just a few research-based examples of how physical therapy has a preventative role:
- Running related injuries.
Physical therapists can assess for running inefficiency and balance issues that frequently lead to common injuries such as iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome and Achilles tendonitis. One study found a physical therapist who assessed running form and provided feedback to improve technique found a reduction in forces through runner’s legs by 30 to 50 percent, significantly reducing the likelihood of a stress fracture. - ACL compromise.
Research suggests that the risk of ACL injury can be significantly reduced with a basic neuromuscular training program. - Low back pain.
Patients with low back pain who began physical therapy within 14 days have a reduced risk of requiring further healthcare. Plus, seeking active physical therapy treatment soon after a new episode of low back pain can help eliminate the pain before it progresses to a chronic problem. - Injury from falls.
Physical therapy has been found not only to decrease the rate of falls but also to lessen the severity of injury when falls do occur by improving balance, cognitive functioning, and protective reflexes.
Myth 5: Surgery or medication is my only option.
Truth: We recognize that every case is unique. While some instances may require medication and surgery, they do not have to be the first line of defense. In fact, multiple studies have shown physical therapy to be safer and more effective than typical treatment options such as prescription painkillers and surgeries for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, and even meniscus tears.
For chronic pain, the CDC guidelines recommend physical therapy over prescription opioids.
Give Physical Therapy a Chance
If you are tired and frustrated with being in pain, then you may want to consider giving physical therapy a chance. At SetPT, we want to help you get back to living life your way.
Please contact us with any additional questions and concerns you might have, or reach out to book your first appointment. We are always happy to discuss with you how we might be able to help.
