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4 Misconceptions About Physical Therapy

by | Nov 13, 2023 | News

physical therapy rehabilitation graphic

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

Dr. Kevin Spahr

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See What Our Patients Are Saying

Read our reviews from other people like you who came to see the physical therapy team – and left much healthier and happier.
Excellent
PRO Therapy
Based on 312 reviews
ashley M.
I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis for years and I thought there was no going back from the pain I felt all day everyday. Pro therapy has truly been a game-changer. From the very first visit, with Brooke she made me feel heard, supported, and hopeful. She took the time to explain my condition, tailored a treatment plan specifically for me and listen to the feed back from each visit to see what the next best thing was. Pro therapy staff been incredibly encouraging every step of the way.

The care I’ve received has been top-notch — professional, compassionate, and effective. I can already feel a huge difference in my pain levels and mobility. I genuinely look forward to my appointments because of how much relief I’ve gotten in just a handful of visits.

I Highly recommend pro therapy to anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis. They truly care about your recovery and go above and beyond to help you heal.
All in all, I am beyond satisfied with the care I’ve received with pro therapy
Greta H.
I was dealing with painful posterior tibial shin splints from running, and after just two StemWave sessions with Dr. Kevin Spahr, I noticed a significant reduction in pain. After the third session, I was running completely pain free! As a college athlete I've tried many recovery tools, but StemWave has been a game changer for me! The results were real, fast, and Dr. Kevin along with the the entire care team was knowledgeable, genuinely caring, and supportive! I would highly recommend StemWave for anyone struggling with inflammation or looking to speed up recovery! Being able to run without pain again was such a relief, and it truly meant the world to me!
Harrison E.
Started doing PT at PRO in April for some intense plantar fasciitis that I'd been experiencing for over a year and hadn't been able to remedy it on my own. Lily gave me a very effective Home Exercise Program to strengthen my arches & toes and did lots of great soft tissue / needle work in our weekly sessions. Two months later, my feet are feeling the strongest and most capable they've felt in a very long time and I can walk around & sleep without thinking about foot pain. I'd recommend PRO to anyone looking to deal with physical annoyances once and for all.
antonishia M.
Jennie is always pleasant and so helpful with any and all of my questions which makes me feel safe to come to her with anything. Dr. Kelvyn is my PT and he has been great to work with so far. Dr. Kelvyn listens to my goals and I’m excited for him to keep pushing me towards my goals of PT.
Karsten J.
I fractured 3 transverse spinal processes in November 2025 and had a C section baby 3 days later. I was in quite a bit of pain with very limited mobility, and about a month after the injury, started physical therapy to ensure I could heal well and run again. Dr. Lily helped me both heal and get my back moving again, as well as some pelvic floor exercises since even though I had a C section, I had pelvic floor pain after being pregnant. After a few months, we tapered off appointments and I have sucessfully been able to run, do yoga, lift weights, and return to normal daily life again with no pain! They were very conveniently located in NE Minneapolis near me, and had great scheduling availability. I'd go again!
Anne W.
Dr. Spahr and his team at PRO Therapy work together closely to provide state-of-the-art healing therapies that help people return to doing the activities they love best. The entire team, including the front office staff, exemplifies a model of care and professionalism that really stands out to me. I highly recommend PRO Therapy.
Andrew M.
Had a great experience, they helped me recover from a calf injury I sustained during training for a half marathon. The stretching, exercises, and therapy they provided me helped me get back on track and I was able to run my race! Would recommend to any athlete!
Michelle P.
Exactly what I was looking for in a PT office. I really wanted one-on-one care that included massage/cupping and other therapies. Lily was amazing and my posture has literally never been better. Can’t recommend enough!
Stephanie D.
I'm so glad I went to PRO Therapy. They have great providers, great office staff. I've always felt like I was a person and they really cared.
John U.
Great work to fix my knee injury
I highly recommend