Facts and Myths About PT

If you have never been to physical therapy before, you may be a little bit nervous about your first time. You also have probably heard some things that are true and some things that are not about physical therapy. To calm your nerves, here are some of the most common myths and unknown facts about physical therapy.

Myth #1: A referral is required before being evaluated by a physical therapist

This is not true. You do not need a referral to be evaluated for physical therapy. However, you will need a referral if you are going to receive physical therapy treatments after you have been evaluated.

Myth #2: Physical therapy is only used if you are already suffering

Physical therapy is not just used for rehabilitation and pain relief. Physical therapy is often at times used to prevent problems from occurring in the future by strengthening your muscles beforehand.

Myth #3: Insurance does not cover physical therapy

Most insurance plans cover at least one type of physical therapy. It is also typically cheaper to receive physical therapy than it is to receive scans and surgery.

Myth #4: Surgery is a better option than physical therapy

This is not true. In most cases, physical therapy can be just as effective, if not better than, surgery. Also, after most surgeries physical therapy is often required anyway.

Fact #1: Physical therapy can treat things other than physical injuries

Physical therapists can treat conditions such as chronic migraines, TMJ, vertigo, multiple sclerosis, and parkinson’s disease.

Fact #2: Physical therapy massages are not what you expect

Massages from a physical therapist are not usually relaxing like massages at spas. Often times, they are slightly painful because they are focusing on a specific muscle or joint that is inflamed.

Fact #3: Exercises at home are important

Your at-home exercises are just as important as the exercises done at physical therapy. At-home exercises can help to speed up your recovery much faster and also prevent you from suffering from the same injury over and over.