Physical therapy (PT) uses a number of treatments to increase a patient's capacity to return to their desired lifestyle/activity level while also reducing discomfort associated with functioning. These treatments include manual therapy, strengthening, stretching, mobility work, and many other approaches. However, there are certain common misconceptions that often deter people from undergoing physical therapy. In this article, we have gathered seven myths about physical therapy that should be addressed ASAP.
1. Physical therapy is only for post-injury rehabilitation
Physical therapy includes much more than just post-injury rehabilitation. Many people are unaware of the full spectrum of physical therapy and its role in preventative care. Prehab is a broad field of physiotherapy in which your therapist teaches your body to avoid injuries in the first place.
Although post-injury rehab and pain management are important aspects of physical therapy, they are not the only ones. This lack of information on preventative physical therapy is one of the key reasons why individuals hesitate to get help from physical therapists for mild discomfort, despite the fact that pain may be your body's way of warning you that something is wrong.
2. Physical therapy is a one-size-fits-all treatment
Physical therapy is a highly personalized approach. It starts with a thorough assessment in which the therapist assesses range of motion, strength, and flexibility and performs a number of tests to establish a patient's discomfort level or loss of function. It's a lengthy checklist to establish what's causing a patient's pain or loss of function.
3. Physical therapy is painful
This is a common misconception among those who have never seen a physical therapist. If you find an appropriate physical therapist, they will never cause you needless discomfort. There is a significant difference between pushing yourself to grow and get stronger and going too hard, which can cause more injury.
It is critical to have open communication with your physical therapist during your sessions so that they can assist in developing the best strategy for you and your body. Certain stretches may feel difficult at first, but they should never be too painful.
4. You have to undergo an X-ray or an MRI before starting physical therapy
People believe that they should wait until they get images (X-rays, MRI) before starting physical therapy. The myth is that what shows in the images will significantly alter your physical therapist's approach to therapy. However, with our clinical testing/clinical reasoning, PTs are frequently able to start clients on medication that can relieve their symptoms immediately. Moreover, imaging studies have revealed a weak relationship between findings on imagery and symptoms.
5. Surgery is my only choice
In many cases, physical therapy has been proven to be as beneficial as surgery in treating a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Degenerative disk disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Meniscal tears
- Knee osteoarthritis
People who have recently seen a physical therapist understand this, with 79% saying it is a safe alternative to surgery.
6. Physical therapy is just a massage therapy
Patients stay away from PT because they don't think a massage would benefit them. Again, this is a misconception that is widespread among those who have never tried physical therapy. Massage therapy is just one passive component of physical therapy.
Physical therapists use various methods to help you manage your illness and recover. These can include electrotherapy, such as therapeutic ultrasonography, particularly developed physical exercise regimens, joint manipulations, movement retraining, soft tissue mobilizations, and other options.
7. Home exercises are not that important
Your exercises at home may be just as (if not more) vital as those you perform with your physical therapist. Most physical therapy regimens need you to perform short exercises and stretch every day, and you will likely undertake your exercises at home rather than with your physical therapist. You will see the greatest improvements in your strength if you are devoted both in the PT office and at home.
