After a clients first visit, we often see a light bulb go off, followed by
a smile and the comment . . . “So this is physical therapy”.
After experiencing a discovery visit or initial evaluation, clients
are often surprised that their assumptions about physical therapy are
not true. Others, who have been disappointed by physical therapy
in the past are finding a different experience here with us.
So, to clear the air about what physical therapy is and is not. . .
Here are 5 Misconceptions About Physical Therapy (at least here
at Peak Potential):
1. The motto of physical therapy is “no pain, no gain”.
The goal of physical therapy is to minimize pain and discomfort. We
work within your pain threshold to restore mobility and return you
to your active lifestyle. Many of our clients come to us in pain,
having pushed too hard through pain for far too long.
Although discomfort may persist at the start of therapy, we want
you always to walk out our door feeling better than when you
arrived. We aim to get you back to living your life pain free as
quickly and comfortably as possible.
2. A doctor’s referral is needed to see a physical therapist.
You have direct access to physical therapy in all 50 states. This
means that you can be evaluated by a physical therapist without a
referral or consult with your physician. Physical therapists are
trained to identify conditions that are out of their scope of expertise
and refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider if necessary.
Most conditions of the muscles, bones, and joints can be safely
and effectively treatment when you see a physical therapist first.
The cost (in time and money) is often lower due to fewer office visits,
as well as less testing and prescribed medication.
3. Physical therapy is for people who are seriously injured.
Is your first thought of a physical therapist in a hospital or rehab
center? That is one role of physical therapists following an injury or
surgery. However, we work with clients with both acute and chronic
injuries.
We treat conditions that are a minor nuisance or severely disabling.
A licensed physical therapy is diversely trained to work on both injury
and prevention. They are skilled to evaluate and treat a potential
problem before it becomes a disabling condition.
4. A physical therapist is 100% responsible for recovery.
The skills we bring to you as physical therapists, are key to your
recovery. However, we are not 100% responsible for the success of
your treatment plan. The information we provide needs to empower
you to make lifestyle changes and follow through with the instructions
we provide.
We are a team – the physical therapist, along with personal trainers
and massage therapists in our office. We are all dedicated to getting
you back to where you want to be. However, we need your
commitment to the plan as well to allow you to live life to it’s fullest.
5. I can do physical therapy exercises on my own.
Every client we see requires the skilled knowledge and guidance of a
physical therapist. When you walk through our doors, you will not be
walked through a series of exercises you could learn on Pinterest.
Our treatment is hands on and requires the advanced training of a
licensed physical therapist. We will empower you with tools and
exercises you will need to do at home, but our clinic time will focus
on constant reevaluation and implementation of your personalized
plan.
The American Physical Therapy Association state that physical therapists
“help people of all ages and abilities reduce pain, improve or restore
mobility, stay active and fit throughout life”.
We see every day the transformative effect physical therapy can have
on peoples daily lives. Don’t let misconceptions discourage you from
seeking the guidance of a physical therapist. Start today by getting all
your questions answered HERE by requesting a call or e-mail.
