7 Physical Therapy Myths Busted
1. Myth: You need a referral or prescription to receive physical therapy care.
Fact: In the state of Ohio, a physical therapist can treat a patient without a referral script from a doctor. This is called direct access. A physical therapist can treat a patient for fitness, wellness, prevention, and previously-diagnosed chronic, neuromuscular, or developmental conditions without a prescription. At Mangiarelli Rehabilitation, we greatly value the many doctors we partner with to provide patients high-quality care. For physical therapy care for worker’s compensation and patients who have Medicare coverage, scripts are needed to be treated by a physical therapist. However, patients can directly access physical therapy care for many conditions without a referral or prescription. Patients have the right to choose where they want to go for physical therapy.
2. Myth: You need to have an MRI before beginning physical therapy.
Fact: In most cases, an MRI is not necessary prior to beginning physical therapy. A physical therapist can provide treatment without surgery or the use of medication. A 2005 study revealed that physical therapists predicted the correct imaging diagnosis 74.5% of the time, which is nearly as accurate as orthopedic surgeons (80.8%). While X-rays and MRIs are important medical tools, a physical therapy evaluation is a good place to start to diagnose a musculoskeletal condition prior to an MRI.
3. Myth: Physical therapy is the same as massage.
Fact: Physical therapists are trained experts in movement and body function. A physical therapist’s goal when working with patients is to rehabilitate them from injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions, relieve pain, and help them recover function, strength, and mobility. While a physical therapist may perform hands-on manual therapy techniques, this is different from the massage therapist’s techniques to relieve pain. Massage therapists work with relatively healthy individuals who seek to improve their overall wellness and relieve stress.
4. Myth: Surgery is more effective than physical therapy.
Fact: For certain conditions, surgery is not your only option nor is it necessarily more effective than physical therapy. It depends largely on your injury or health condition. In many cases, physical therapy is as effective as surgery for a variety of conditions, including back pain, knee pain, and rotator cuff injuries.
5. Myth: Physical therapy is not covered by insurance.
Fact: Most health insurance policies do cover some form of physical therapy. At Mangiarelli Rehabilitation, our staff check with your insurance company prior to treatment to ensure you know your insurance coverage. Physical therapy reduces medical costs by helping individuals heal without needing expensive imaging scans, surgery, or prescription medication.
6. Myth: Physical therapy is painful.
Fact: Physical therapy helps reduce pain and restore your mobility and strength. The main objective during physical therapy is to restore function and help you as the patient heal while working within your pain threshold. If you do experience discomfort during physical therapy, let the therapist know so that they can adjust your treatment accordingly to reduce discomfort you experience.
7. Myth: Physical therapy only helps those with injuries or accidents.
Fact: Physical therapists treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, chronic pain, neurological disorders like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease, and lymphedema. Physical therapists also treat sports injuries and injuries related to car and work-related accidents, and they provide post-surgical and stroke rehabilitation. Physical therapy can also be preventative, working on balance and coordination to reduce risk of falling or strengthening muscles and improving mobility to decrease the chance of future injury.
8. Bonus Myth: I can do my own physical therapy at home with WebMD.
Bonus Fact: Physical therapists are doctorate-level, licensed experts in movement and the function of the body. Many physical therapists go on to earn certifications in specific treatments, such as neurology, sports medicine, orthopedics, lymphedema, and women’s health. Your physical therapist leverages his or her clinical expertise, intensive training, and the latest research to provide evidence-based care, from evaluating and diagnosing to creating a personalized treatment plan. A physical therapist will design a rehabilitation program specific to your needs and can safely monitor your recovery to ensure full healing and return of function.
