Busting The Most Common Physical Therapy Myths, Assumptions, & Misconceptions
Have you ever considered physical therapy to help alleviate pain, but were reluctant to try it because of something you'd heard? You certainly wouldn't be the first! Thankfully, we're here today to debunk some of the myths, assumptions, & misconceptions about physical therapy that often deter patients who would greatly benefit from its effects. From insurance policies to treatment plans, we'll break it all down together.
Let's get started!
This might be one of the most common statements we hear. Sure, this logic applies to small injuries like a cut or a sore muscle, but most other injuries require more intensive treatment. The fact is that a musculoskeletal dysfunction most often will need specific stretches, manual therapy, modalities, etc. in order to maximize the return to normal functionality.
"I will always be in pain no matter how much physical therapy I have."
This myth couldn't be further from the truth. Physical therapists come from all different educational and professional backgrounds, which means they have different skills sets. Sometimes, getting real relief from pain is just a matter of finding the right physical therapist with the right set of skills & qualifications to treat your specific issue. Don't give up on finding a PT who can help you with your injury or pain.
"I am too old to get better."
From where we're standing, age is just a number, and this is the philosophy with which we approach each patient. The truth is that you are never, ever too old to get better. In fact, we have seen patients in their ninth decade respond amazingly well to physical therapy treatment. So, if you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or at any other age, just know that you don't have to live your life in pain.
"If I start physical therapy, it will become too much for me."
The prospect of consistent physical therapy appointments can seem daunting on top of everything else in your life, but truthfully, it can quickly become one of the best parts of your week. There is no substitute for meeting with a licensed physical therapist and gaining an understanding of your physical dysfunction and how to fix it. Just the evaluation and education in themselves often prove to be invaluable to patients, especially those who were previously skeptical of physical therapy's immense benefits.
"I can't participate in physical therapy because I don't have insurance."
You do not have to have medical insurance coverage to visit a physical therapist for an evaluation or treatment. In fact, often you cannot afford to not see a physical therapist. After all, your health and well-being are the foundation in most everything that you do, so neglecting your physical health can hurt you even more in the long-run.
"I need permission from my doctor to participate in physical therapy."
Unbeknownst to many, North Carolina is a direct-access state (along with many other states - see the full list here) meaning that you can see a physical therapist without a referral or prescription from a doctor.
"I can do physical therapy on my own by watching videos at home."
While YouTube & Google are certainly some excellent resources, they in no way replace an actual licensed physical therapist who has studied human anatomy & muscle function. Every injury, misstep, and painful movement that can be helped by physical therapy is unique and requires more care than the generic stretches & exercises you'll get from an online tutorial.
A physical therapist, on top of giving you the proper exercises for your specific issue, will also perform manual therapy techniques (which can include dry needling for those who are comfortable with trying it) that a video simply cannot provide. In fact, over-stretching or doing the wrong exercises without guidance from a PT can end up making your issue worse.
"I don't have time or transportation to participate in physical therapy."
Physical therapy nowadays doesn't have to happen in a brick-and-mortar clinic. In fact, it is easier than ever to start getting physical therapy treatment in a variety of settings, including an assisted-living facility or even in your own home! At Ashburn Physical Therapy, we have hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the week available for in-home physical therapy visits, and we're open Saturdays on an appointment-only basis.
Make An Appointment With Us Today!
At Ashburn Physical Therapy, we've heard every misconception & mistruth in the book about PT. If you have other concerns you'd like to discuss with us or if you're interested in giving physical therapy a try, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We can't wait to hear from you!
Like Us On Facebook!







