5 Common Myths About Physical Therapy
October is National Physical Therapy (PT) Month! It is a time to recognize the benefits of PT, celebrate the PT profession, and acknowledge the positive impact PT can have on quality of life, health, and function.
If you are skeptical about PT for any reason, or just don’t know much about it, you’re not alone! Let’s clear the air and bust some common myths about PT that may be making you hesitant:
Myth #1: PT is only for people who are injured or have had surgery.
Most physicians encourage their patients to go to PT after they’ve already sustained an injury, developed pain, or have undergone surgery. What many don’t realize is that you don’t need to be in pain or be actively working through an injury to benefit from PT. It can (and should!) be used for overall health, wellness, and prevention of future injury and pain as well.
PTs are termed “movement experts”. They are trained in the analysis of movement patterns and treatment of movement dysfunction, even before it becomes a problem. With high quality PT, you will receive a total-body movement assessment and learn where you are unknowingly compensating for impairments such as weakness, stiffness, and instability. With that information, you can work with your PT to address those impairments from the root of the issue so you PREVENT pain and/or injury from occurring in the first place.
Myth #2: PT is expensive.
On the surface, paying for regular PT visits can add up quickly. While this may seem daunting, let’s consider the alternatives: surgery, injections, prescription medications, and other expensive (and often short-term) medical interventions. With high quality PT, you will learn how to optimize your movement for lifelong health and function, and you can avoid surgery and the whopping bill that’s associated with it. No short-term fixes, no painful post-operative recoveries, and no lifelong medication regimens. When considering the big picture, PT is almost always cheaper than the alternatives AND the benefits are longer lasting.
Myth #3: PT requires a physician referral.
Colorado is a Direct Access state, which means CO state law does NOT require a physician referral for someone to be evaluated or treated by a PT. The big exceptions are those that are insured by governmental payors including Medicare, Medicaid, and TriCare. All other individuals with commercial insurance have the ability to choose where they will receive PT and to book an appointment without first going through a physician.
Myth #4: PT is just exercises and stretches.
While exercise is an important component of PT, high quality PT includes so much more! Your PT may use a combination of manual interventions such as massage, myofascial release, cupping, dry needling, visceral mobilization, joint mobilizations and manipulations, etc. in conjunction with exercises such as stretching, strengthening, and improving movement patterns for long term relief. High quality PT uses a combination of multiple types of interventions to address the dysfunction from the root cause.
Myth #5: All PTs are the same.
While all PTs are required to pass the same National Boards Exam and all have similar curriculums in school, PTs can be vastly different in their approach to a client’s case and in the interventions they utilize. Some PTs may take a more exercise-based approach. Some may focus more heavily on hands-on manual interventions. Some may be somewhere in between. So, if you’ve been through PT in the past with little success, consider the idea that a different professional with a different approach may fit your needs better.
At Revitalize Athletics, we prioritize providing high quality physical therapy services at a time and place that is easy and convenient for you! If you feel like you may benefit from PT, but aren’t sure where to start, click below to schedule a free 15-minute Discovery Visit with our Doctor of Physical Therapy. We will discuss your concerns, injury history, and goals to determine if Physical Therapy is appropriate for you!
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