Does physical therapy even work? Isn’t all exercise physical therapy? You may have asked questions like these, so we’re debunking physical therapy myths and discussing the reality and benefits of a personalized PT program. Read on to explore some of the most common myths about physical therapy:
Myth: Physical therapy is only for injuries.
Fact: Treating injuries is only a small aspect of physical therapy; PT programs can be for injury prevention, performance enhancement, chronic pain management, balance disorders, strength and conditioning, plus so much more.
Orthopedic manual therapy is the standard form of PT that most people are aware of, helping people recover from surgery and injuries. However, that’s only one area of treatment. A physical therapy program can include vestibular rehabilitation therapy for vertigo, chronic migraines, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Ménière's Disease, and more. Other therapies such as dry needling can help those suffering from carpal tunnel, joint pain, and sciatica; not to mention our exercise and wellness plans designed to help achieve your fitness goals!
Myth: PT means “pain and torture”.
Fact: Physical therapy works within the parameters of your pain threshold. The main goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support overall function.
Many times people are afraid to begin physical therapy because they think it’s going to be painful or leave with more pain than when they came. In reality, they find that pain and discomfort are considerably lower than they first thought, as PT is designed to help you heal and restore movement.
Myth: Physical therapy is any exercise you can just do yourself.
Fact: A PT program combines industry expertise with the latest information to ensure you reach your recovery goal and provide resources for injury prevention.
Having the guidance of an experienced and licensed physical therapist is key to success. While your active participation is certainly necessary, a personalized treatment plan could include a wide range of therapies other than specific exercises such as manual therapy or recovery techniques such as cupping or Gaston that only a medical professional can do. It also doesn’t mean we will tell you to stop doing your favorite activities forever but rather make sure you can safely and confidently work towards your recovery goals.
Myth: Physical therapy never ends.
Fact: PT helps you gain strength and improve function so that you develop independence and don’t have to rely on structured physical therapy appointments anymore.
The goal of PT is not to make you come into our physical therapy clinic forever. In fact, the entire focus of our physical therapy services is to recover your range of motion and develop consistency so that you can maintain function at home with a personal home exercise routine.
Myth: Physical therapy is one size fits all
Fact: Every person’s body is unique, so it just makes sense that our physical therapy programs can be fully customized around your needs and goals.
We take a thoughtful and slower approach to treating patients with injuries, pain, mobility issues, and other chronic conditions. We sit down 1 on 1 and carefully review your case to ensure we don’t miss any underlying concerns before creating an individualized plan of care. Read more about our unique approach to physical therapy!
Now you know the facts behind these common myths about physical therapy. Have we piqued your curiosity about the benefits of a personalized PT program? Or maybe you have more questions– take a look at some FAQS about physical therapy at Equalizer Health, and let us help you get on the right path toward better health!