Physical Therapy Myth Busters

Lately I've been feeling that physical therapy has a messaging problem. I know I'm a bit biased in thinking physical therapy is awesome - but, I still believe that people could get more out of physical therapy than they think they can.

Here are some physical therapy myth busters -

Myth: You go to physical therapy to rehabilitate after an injury or surgery, but you go to a chiropractor if you have back pain.

Truth: Physical therapists DO help with back pain! We evaluate to find the root cause of the pain, address the pain with hands on techniques and therapeutic exercise, and give you the tools and knowledge to help prevent the pain from coming back.

Myth: Broken bones, ankle sprains, and muscle strains heal on their own with some rest, so you shouldn't go to physical therapy for these issues. 

Truth: Before tissues have healed, physical therapy can help you FULLY recover faster (not just heal but get back to your normal self) . It does this by ensuring that other parts of your body stay strong with exercises appropriate for your injury, giving tips to prevent other injuries that occur when you are moving in a limited or compensatory way, and getting you back to full range of motion and strength. Yes, tissues can heal on their own, but it takes an effort and some guidance to get back your full strength and flexibility. 

Myth: You only go to physical therapists when you are hurt or injured.

Truth: You can come to a physical therapist for injury prevention. Injury prevention can be a regular check up like a cleaning at the dentist office, bloodwork, or a blood pressure check at the doctor's office.  

Myth: You need a prescription from your doctor for physical therapy

Truth: You do not need a prescription from your doctor for physical therapy, but your insurance company may require a prescription in order for them to reimburse for physical therapy.

Let us know if we cleared up any myths for you!