Let’s face it: there are a lot of myths about physical therapy. From being unclear on when to start or if to start at all, to an unnecessary expense or something one thinks they can “just do on their own.” Today, we’re tackling these myths head on, to give you honest answers.
Myth: I Need a Referral from My Doctor to See a Physical Therapist
Fact: You Do Not Need a Referral to See a PT
This is an understandable myth since you typically need a referral to see a specialist, and you may need a referral if you want to use your insurance (you will need to contact your insurance provider to find out if that’s a requirement). However, the state of MN does not require a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist.
If you go directly to a physical therapist, you can work outside of your insurance. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s often the less expensive route for patients to receive the best care. Insurance companies often will put restrictions on your PT care – you may not have control over when you’re seen, how often, and what treatment options are available. When you go directly to a physical therapist, you work with them and have no restrictions and full price transparency.
Either way, it’s worth contacting PRO Therapy directly to discuss your options and what’s best for your situation and budget.
Read Now: I’ve Got Some Pain, But Not Enough To Justify A Visit To The Doctor
Myth: PT is Only for Post-Injuries or Post-Surgeries
Fact: PT is Beneficial for More Than Just Recovery
When we think of physical therapy, often we think of extreme cases – like someone learning to walk again after a spinal injury. While post-injury and post-surgical recovery is a crucial part of physical therapy, it’s beneficial for a much wider group of people.
If you’re experiencing pain, it may not be because of a direct 1:1 situation like a clear injury – it could be because of any number of overlapping causes. Physical therapy is designed to help anyone experiencing pain – not just those in recovery.
Additionally, when working with PRO Therapy it doesn’t have to be a direct reaction to pain at all – we offer a huge benefit for prevention. To stay healthy and injury free is a huge benefit – especially to those who are active and/or participate in sports.
Read Now: The Benefits of Regular Physical Therapy
Myth: PT is Just Exercise and Stretches – I Can Do That at Home!
Fact: Our Doctors of Physical Therapy Have The Highest Form of Education and Specialized Training
It’s true that exercise and stretches are often a part of our physical therapy treatments, it’s not accurate to say that’s – all physical therapy is. We will likely provide you with exercises and stretches to do at home as part of your overall plan with us. These will be prescribed based on movements and goals we are targeting to get you to your desired outcomes. Using just any exercise may trigger or injure/reinjure you – creating a whole new concern!
Our Doctors of Physical Therapy will go beyond the symptoms you’re experiencing to truly identify and target the sources of your pain – which oftentimes, are several different factors. We then create a customized treatment plan that’s specific to you, your day to day movements and your desired outcomes – inclusive of both active and passive treatments, including:
Read Now: Why Physical Therapy Is Your Ticket To A Pain-Free Life
Myth: PT is Expensive and Elective
Fact: It’s Cheaper Than Surgery
Let’s be blunt – talking about insurance is messy, because it’s hard to say anything definitively. Some insurances will cover physical therapy treatments and some won’t – it’s impossible to say without looking at your specific situation. However, what’s always true is that physical therapy is much cheaper than surgery in the long run.
While surgery is sometimes unavoidable, it also can often be delayed or avoided entirely with an effective physical therapy treatment plan with PRO Therapy. In addition to the financial costs associated with surgery, surgery has a large emotional and physical toll as well. Before investing in surgery, it’s worth exploring all of the options we have to offer to help guide you down the right path.
Read Now: How to Manage Back Pain Without Surgery
Myth: If My Pain Isn’t Gone After a Few Sessions, PT Isn’t Working
Fact: Bodies Are Complex, It Can Take Some Time
While most patients will notice a reduction in pain after just one of our sessions, that’s not always the case. It can be discouraging when you don’t have those immediate results!
The truth is that bodies are complex. It can take several sessions or even longer before you notice a clear change. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy will set clear expectations and check in with you at each session. And remember – our goal is to reduce your pain, no matter what it takes! Sometimes that means that a treatment plan needs to be changed in order to best serve you.
Read Now: How Do I Know if Physical Therapy is Working?
These myths can dissuade patients from exploring physical therapy – we hope that by exploring these head on, you now know the facts about physical therapy and its effectiveness. If you’re experiencing pain, don’t let any of these myths stand in the way of your recovery – give us a try!
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