Physical Therapy Myths

         
            Below are five myths “reasons why people don’t come to physical therapy”. Don’t let these stop you from seeing a physical therapist! 

Myth 1: You need a doctor's referral or prescription to start physical therapy.
Good news - you do not need a prescription or doctor referral to start physical therapy. Many people think you need to go through a doctor but you can skip the long scheduling wait times and unnecessary copays and go straight to scheduling an evaluation with us! 

Myth 2: Physical therapy is only for people who have been in an accident or have an injury.
Physical therapy is targeted to more than just helping those with injuries or who have been in an accident. While physical therapy aids in the recovery of many injuries, physical therapists can decrease the symptoms experienced by common conditions such as sciatic, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, hip pain and so on. During assessment, physical therapists can also diagnose potential problems. 

Myth 3: Any healthcare provider can provide physical therapy.
Physical therapy should only be performed by a licensed physical therapist - health care professionals without a license should not be providing this service. Beyond the standard license, many physical therapists earn board certifications to specialize in specific areas (i.e. neurology, orthopedics, sports medicine, etc.). Some other physical therapy clinics use PT techs to assist in parts of the therapy - here at Empire Performance PT all our therapists have their Doctorate of Physical Therapy so you know you’re getting the best possible care!

Myth 4: Physical therapy isn’t covered by insurance.
Physical therapy is covered by most insurance plans! Because physical therapy can help people avoid the use of prescription drugs or undergo surgeries, it can help decrease your future health care costs, too. It doesn’t end there, physical therapy can also lower health care costs by preventing re-injuries or by addressing conditions before they escalate.
Myth 5: Surgery is the only option for a full recovery.
Physical therapy has helped many people avoid unnecessary surgeries —from rotator cuff tears and degenerative disk disease, to meniscal tears and some forms of knee osteoarthritis. Those that seek physical therapy before undergoing surgery know this to be true.
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How many of these did you think were true? Leave a comment below!

Know someone who needs physical therapy? Send them here!