Several misconceptions exist about the meaning of physical therapy, what it does and doesn’t do, and how it helps individuals live better lives in different life stages. Most people think that physical therapy rehabilitates injured individuals or those who’ve undergone surgery. Physical therapy does more than that. It corrects balance impairments and treats sports injuries, and nervous system conditions, among others.
1. Physical Therapy Services Serve Injured People Only
The rehabilitation services are just a part of the services you may get from a physical therapist if you are injured or have undergone surgery. Physical therapists may also treat common illnesses such as headache, muscle and joint pain, pelvic pain, and chronic pain. They also help people prevent sports injuries and improve athletic performance.
2. Surgery is Your Only Option
Sometimes, professionals use physical therapy instead of surgery. Even though they seek advice on the best treatment option from doctors, physical therapy often manages some issues and removes the need for surgery.
3. You Can Do Physical Therapy Activities Without Help
Initially, you’ll need a physical therapist to teach and guide you on some exercises you can engage in at home. They will also provide you with techniques to continue doing the therapy activities independently. However, you’ll still need a physical therapist to provide expert attention. The PT will also need to assess and analyze your condition and prepare a personal care plan.
4. Physical Therapy Services are Painful
While physical therapy may sometimes be uncomfortable, therapists try as much as possible to provide you with a plan that reduces the pain. They aim to minimize your discomfort by providing therapies that cure and restore body functioning and movement.
5. All Health Professionals can Offer Physical Therapy Services
Only licensed physical therapists should provide physical therapy services. Even though other healthcare practitioners may provide other treatments, they shouldn’t offer PT services. The physical therapist must be trained, licensed, and has experience in delivering the services.
6. You Must Have a Referral to See a Physical Therapist
You don’t need any medical practitioner’s referral to get services from a physical therapist. The therapist will evaluate you and provide you with proper services or prescriptions whenever you need the services.
7. You Cannot Pay for Physical Therapy Treatment Using Insurance
You can use most insurance policies to pay for some physical therapy treatments. You may pay less when getting the PT services because you might not require surgery, scans, and prescription medicines.
8. Physical Therapy is Expensive
Physical therapy is cheaper than surgery and medical imaging. Patients who visit a physical therapist save up to 60 percent on the cost of treatment they would have spent on medical bills, surgery, and medical imaging.
It is essential to demystify the above eight misconceptions about physical therapy. The information can help many people get proper education and treatments. An excellent physical therapist should provide quality care and a comfortable environment. You will then regain your mobility and function and get back to your everyday life.