In recent years, physical therapy has become increasingly popular, as people are discovering its many wonderful benefits. However, with this new-found popularity, we are also seeing a lot of misconceptions about physical therapy.
In recent years, physical therapy has become increasingly popular, as people are discovering its many wonderful benefits. However, with this new-found popularity, we are also seeing a lot of misconceptions about physical therapy.
In recent years, physical therapy has become increasingly popular, as people are discovering its many wonderful benefits. However, with this new-found popularity, we are also seeing a lot of misconceptions about physical therapy. People who have never been to a physical therapist before may have a different idea of what this type of alternative therapy is and how it can help. Physical therapists are essentially movement experts, helping people suffering from injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions find relief from pain, restore mobility, and remain active. That being said, there are several common misconceptions that often prevent people from seeking treatment from a physical therapist.
At our Arlington physical therapy clinic, we strive to not only help those suffering from a wide range of ailments, but give people the confidence and tools they need to live a happy and healthy life. We rely on our medical expertise and various manual techniques to get to the root of what is going on and help you find relief from pain. If you have any questions about what to expect or who may benefit from physical therapy, please give us a call today.
Let’s now look at the five most common myths about physical therapy:
- I need a prescription or referral to see a physical therapist – One of the biggest misconceptions about physical therapy is that you need either a prescription or a referral from your doctor. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 70 percent of people think this is required. However, this is simply not the case. In all 50 states, you can be evaluated by a physical therapist without a prescription or referral.
- Physical therapy and massage are the same – While massage is often a part of physical therapy, they are not the same thing. Many techniques used in physical therapy involve kneading painful areas of the body, but it reaches far beyond a regular massage.
- Physical therapy is only for injuries – Another misconception, physical therapy is not only for those who have sustained an injury. While it does aid in the recovery process from a wide range of injuries, it can also help improve conditions such as sciatica, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, hip pain, and more.
- Anyone in the medical industry can perform physical therapy – Physical therapy can only be performed by licensed physical therapists. An estimated 37 percent of people believe anyone can perform physical therapy techniques on a patient, but this is not the case. Physical therapists must go through several different certifications in order to become licensed.
- Surgery is more effective than physical therapy – The type of treatment you will require will depend on your injury and health condition. While surgery may be the right option in some cases, physical therapy is often much more effective – and safer. In fact, physical therapy has been proven to be more effective in providing patients with pain relief.
To learn more about how you may benefit from physical therapy, please contact our Arlington physical therapy clinic today and schedule an appointment.
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