Debunking 5 Physical Therapy Myth
October is National Physical Therapy Month, a month to celebrate and recognize the dedication of each of our physical therapists and physical therapy assistants at Mangiarelli Rehabilitation and provide education about the field of physical therapy. At Mangiarelli Rehabilitation, our focus is to provide evidence-based, patient-centered rehabilitative care customized to each patient’s specific needs, condition, and goals. However, there are a number of myths and misconceptions about physical therapy, so today we are debunking 5 common physical therapy myths!
5 Myths about Physical Therapy
Myth: Physical therapy is only for acute injuries.
Fact: While physical therapists do treat acute injuries like an ankle sprain, they also treat chronic conditions like low back pain, arthritis, headaches, incontinence, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapists also design exercise programs to help you prevent injury, such as a pre-season sports conditioning program, a frailty prevention program for seniors, or a balance training program for those at risk of falling. Physical therapists can also assist healthy individuals in improving their overall fitness and mobility.
Myth: Physical therapy is just exercise-based.
Fact: Physical therapy involves a combination of manual therapy, modalities, patient education, and exercise to manage pain and improve function. Physical therapists design a rehabilitation program customized to the patient’s individuals needs and goals. A therapist may begin with modalities like ice and heat to reduce a patient’s pain and then incorporate manual therapy to improve an injured joint’s range of motion or address a tight muscle. Then an active exercise program including aquatic therapy, aerobic exercise, and strength training is implemented to improve function, mobility, and strength in the injured area and enhance the patient’s overall health.
Myth: Physical therapy is painful.
Fact: Physical therapists work within a patient’s pain threshold to heal, restore function, and minimize pain. The goal of the physical therapist is to help patients move better, feel better, and get back to the activities they love. As patients move their bodies differently, they may experience muscle soreness, but the therapist is careful to mitigate pain flare-ups while building patient’s strength and function.
Myth: Physical therapy is expensive.
Fact: Research has found that when patients utilize physical therapy for the initial treatment of an injury, they save on health care costs and minimize other healthcare expenditures, such as surgery, expensive imaging, and prescription medications. Many physical therapists take insurance which can reduce overall healthcare costs overall. Physical therapists also help individuals address conditions before they become permanent, lowering medical costs across the board.
Myth: Drugs are more effective than physical therapy.
Fact: Physical therapy is not only more effective than prescription drugs in managing pain long-term but is also safer and less costly. Physical therapy targets the source of pain, rather than masking pain and symptoms as prescription drugs do.
