Debunking 10 Physical Therapy Myths
October 1 marks the start of National Physical Therapy Month, a month to celebrate the dedication of each of our physical therapists and physical therapy assistants at Mangiarelli Rehabilitation and provide education on the field of physical therapy. Our focus at Mangiarelli Rehabilitation is to provide evidence-based, patient-centered rehabilitative care that is customized to each patient’s specific needs, condition, and goals. However, there are quite a few misconceptions about physical therapy!
10 Myths about Physical Therapy
Myth: Physical therapy is only for injuries.
Fact: Physical therapists treat a variety of conditions, not just acute injuries. Physical therapists help seniors improve their balance and reduce fall risk. Therapists treat concussions, vestibular issues, chronic low back pain, pelvic pain, headaches and migraines, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Therapists also work with athletes to prepare for the season and prevent injury through pre-season strength and conditioning and work with patients before surgery to prepare their bodies for surgery.
Myth: Insurance doesn’t cover physical therapy.
Fact: Most insurances cover some form of physical therapy. Physical therapy minimizes other healthcare expenditures by reducing the need for surgery, expensive imaging, and prescription medications. Physical therapists also help individuals address conditions before they become permanent, lowering medical costs across the board.
Myth: Physical therapy is only required after surgery.
Fact: Physical therapy can actually help prevent surgeries and has been shown to be as effective as surgery for conditions like knee osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and low back pain. Physical therapy can help save months of additional rehabilitation and cost by reducing the need for surgery. Receiving physical therapy before surgery has also been shown to improve surgery outcomes and make the post-operative rehabilitation process smoother and less painful.
Myth: Physical therapy is only massage.
Fact: Physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system and human movement. While physical therapists do perform manual techniques, these soft tissue and joint mobilizations are tailored to the biomechanics of the human body. Physical therapists have advanced training in dissecting movement, identifying areas to improve and increasing function. Manual therapy is often combined with exercise during physical therapy treatment.
Myth: I need a referral from a doctor to see a physical therapist.
Fact: An APTA survey revealed that 70% of people think a referral is necessary for a physical therapy evaluation. However, you can see a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor. In the state of Ohio, a physical therapist can treat a patient without a referral script from a doctor through direct access. A physical therapist can treat a patient for fitness, wellness, prevention, and previously diagnosed chronic, neuromuscular, or developmental conditions without a prescription.
At Mangiarelli Rehabilitation, we greatly value the many doctors we partner with to provide patients with high-quality care. For physical therapy care for worker’s compensation and patients who have Medicare coverage, scripts are needed to be treated by a physical therapist. However, patients can directly access physical therapy care for many conditions without a referral or prescription.
Myth: Physical therapists and chiropractors are interchangeable.
Fact: Both chiropractors and physical therapists have their roles in restoring function in an individual but are entirely different fields. Chiropractic work is typically more manual therapy focused involving high-speed manipulations for alignments at various body parts during 20-minute sessions. Physical therapy is more exercise-based combined with manual therapy to relieve pain while restoring strength and function during 35–50-minute appointments.
Myth: Physical therapy is painful.
Fact: Physical therapists work to minimize pain and discomfort, working within a patient’s pain threshold to help patients heal and restore function. The goal of the physical therapist is to help patients move better, feel better, and get back to the activities they love. As you move your body differently, you may experience muscle soreness, but the therapist is careful to mitigate pain flare-ups while building your strength and function.
Myth: Any healthcare provider can perform physical therapy.
Fact: Physical therapy can only be performed by a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapists receive a doctorate in physical therapy and must be licensed in the state in which they practice following a state licensure exam. Many physical therapists have specializations to better serve their patients, such as women’s health, sports medicine, or industrial rehabilitation. Your physical therapist leverages his or her clinical expertise, intensive training, and the latest research to provide evidence-based care to provide you with the best possible, personalized care.
Myth: I can’t do vigorous physical exercise, so physical therapy isn’t safe for me.
Fact: Everyone at any fitness level can benefit from physical therapy. Your physical therapist will alter exercises around each patient’s pain level, tolerance, and ability. Physical therapists monitor the patient to help them accomplish the prescribed exercise safely and successfully. Exercise treatment includes stretching, strengthening, balance and coordination training, agility and posture training, and movement pattern sequencing.
Myth: Once you’re discharged from physical therapy, you’re healed.
Fact: Physical therapy is just the beginning of your health journey. To help patients stay healthy, manage chronic conditions, and prevent new injuries, physical therapists recommend patients continue to follow their home exercise plan or a consistent workout plan after discharge. Patients may return to physical therapy after a flare-up of pain or to continue to manage a chronic condition. At Mangiarelli Rehabilitation, we offer our physical therapy patients access to our wellness program after treatment, so that they can maintain their fitness and health by utilizing our gym equipment and warm water therapy pool.
