You have an injury or physical condition and have been told that physical therapy is the best treatment for it. The problem? You’ve heard some of those myths about physical therapy and have your doubts. Don’t. Here’s some myth busting for you.
Myth 1: You have to have a referral from a doctor to see a physical therapist.
Fact: Unless your health insurance requires it, no referral is necessary. In fact, all 50 states allow evaluations by a physical therapist without one.
Myth 2: Physical therapy is painful.
Fact: While sometimes it can be uncomfortable, physical therapists know ways to minimize pain during treatment. What they won’t do is force you to deal with pain above your pain threshold. They know that too much pain will make you less likely to continue treatment.
Myth 3: Physical therapy is only for people who were injured in an accident or while doing sports.
Fact: Sure, they do work with the injured, but they also are taught to be very skilled in figuring out what may be wrong and figuring out how to treat it. If you have physical maladies such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic headaches.
Myth 4: Physical therapy isn’t covered by insurance.
Fact: It most certainly is. Physical therapy has been proven to reduce health insurance costs.
Myth 5: Surgery is the only option for my health issue.
Fact: Not so. In fact, physical therapy can be a viable option to surgery. It’s been shown to be as effective as surgery in treating many conditions. But if it isn’t the best option, it will be a huge help in your healing after surgery if you have physical therapy before and after surgery.
Myth 6: I don’t need a physical therapist, I can do it myself.
Fact: Did you go to school for years and get licensed in how to do therapy? Probably not. Yes, you do need to actively participate in your therapy, but you need a professional to guide you in the treatment plan.
