There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about physical therapy, but for those who have tried physical therapy unsuccessfully in the past, the mistrust is even greater. You may have tried physical therapy in the past – but you haven’t tried PRO Therapy!
Below are some common misconceptions about physical therapy – and some of them, unfortunately, are true at other clinics. At PRO Therapy, we actively address these pain points to ensure they don’t interfere with your treatment.
Read Now: How Do I Know if Physical Therapy is Working?
Misconception: You’ll Just Be Working With a Personal Trainer
It’s easy to confuse a physical therapist with a personal trainer – both professionals work with the body. However, they work in different ways. A personal trainer is generally focused on strength training and weight loss. Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercises, hands on care and patient education – and have a doctorate.
It’s not uncommon for some physical therapy clinics to have trainers, aides and assistants conduct patient care. This isn’t to diminish their expertise – but if you’re seeking a physical therapist, it’s a bait-and-switch to work with another team member instead. At PRO Therapy, we don’t use aids, trainers or assistants of any kind. It’s 1:1 with a DPT at all times! This creates a unique experience, allowing you to work directly with an expert with the highest level of training and expertise in their field.
Read Now: Meet Our Team
Misconception: Physical Therapy is “Just Exercise”
It’s true that exercise can be a vital part of a treatment plan, but a successful physical therapy program isn’t solely exercise.
At PRO Therapy, we use both passive and active care. Each appointment is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and means of achieving positive outcomes. Treatment plans are then created for what is best needed to achieve those outcomes at each session.
Your specific treatment plan will depend on your needs, but these are some of the treatments PRO Therapy offers:
- Spinal/Extremity Joint Manipulation
- Active Release Technique
- Kinesiotaping
- Neuromuscular Re-Education
- Wellness Coaching
- Sport-Specific Programs
- Mechanical Traction
- Joint Mobilization
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Graston Technique
- Gait Training
- Personal Training
- Cupping Therapy
- Ultrasound
- Dry Needling
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Postural Evaluation
- Nutrition Coaching
- Laser Therapy
- Muscle Energy Techniques
- Myofascial Release
- Therapeutic Activities
- Custom Orthotics
- Work Hardening/Conditioning Programs
- Electrical Stimulation
Read Now: Explore Our Physical Therapy Services
Misconception: Your Physical Therapist is Just Going to Tell You What You CAN’T Do
A lot of patients assume – based on past experience – that if they go to see a physical therapist they’re going to be told they can’t do the things they love. Because of that, people research on youtube, google, social media as a good way to bandage an issue to avoid coming in. And then their issues become worse and turn into injuries.
At PRO Therapy, we focus on your goals, lifestyle, and outcomes – we leave surgery, painkillers, and removing activities as a last resort. We use our sessions to focus on ways to give alternatives and care that will prevent all of that from happening!
Read Now: Why Your Physical Therapy Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)
Misconception: Physical Therapy is More Expensive Than Other Care Options
An extremely common misconception surrounding physical therapy is the cost. Many people assume that because it’s a multi-session treatment plan, that it’s more expensive than something like surgery. However, the opposite is true – a recent study found that patients with lower back pain who started treatment with PT saved an average of 72 percent in the first year than those who chose surgery for relief.
It’s difficult to determine how much your treatment plan will cost without speaking directly to a provider. Your physical therapy plan will be specific to you – and for that reason, we focus first on your goals and how we can achieve those outcomes.
Contact our care team to get started today!
Access Now: Cost and Availability Inquiry
- The Lady from Blaine and Her Persisted Hip Pain - February 10, 2026
- That Heavy Feeling: Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Finding Support in the Twin Cities - February 2, 2026
- Sports Therapy vs. Rehab: Which One Do You Need to Get Back in the Game? - January 23, 2026
