A Basic Understanding of Physical Therapy
& How It Can Help You TODAY!
What is physical therapy? Physical therapy is an allied health that strives to improve the quality of life for people of all ages, using evidence-based manual techniques, exercise strategies and education to empower people to live healthier lives.
Physical therapists (PTs) engage in rigorous studies to become movement experts that develop individualized programs for their patients based on thorough and comprehensive examinations.
Most physical therapists today graduate with doctoral degrees due to the intense nature of the curriculum and advanced skill sets developed through many years of guided study. Additionally, all physical therapists commit to lifelong learning through continuing education, mentorship programs and specialist certifications.
Everyone should have their ‘go to’ physical therapist in the community to help address the effects of aging, overcome illness or injury, manage a chronic illness or just to stay healthy.
Read on to dispel the most common myths surrounding physical therapy for all consumers.
Seven Common Myths for Physical Therapy
Myth #1: I need a referral from a physician to see a physical therapist.
Truth: All states, along with DC and the USVI have passed legislation permitting Direct Access (DA). That allows consumers to directly seek the advice and intervention of a physical therapist without a prescription from a physician. However, the extent of intervention varies based on each State’s practice laws.
In the state of Pennsylvania, physical therapists are permitted to evaluate and treat an appropriate patient for a total of 30 calendar days without referral (i.e. prescription) for most insurances. For those insurances that do not permit DA (example: Medicare, Medicaid), PTs are first permitted to evaluate a potential patient. Next, they must then share findings and recommendations with the patient’s attending physician, to obtain permission before proceeding.
Myth #2: Physical therapy is painful.
Truth: Physical therapists are well-trained and highly skilled professionals that work within a patient’s pain threshold. The goal is to restore mobility and function, while maximizing recovery and healing potential.
Physical therapy has most recently been identified by the CDC as a top method/nondrug approach to reducing pain without the long-term use of opioids/addictive painkillers. This is in an effort to combat the ever-growing opioid addiction issues. Moreover, the CDC cites high quality evidence in physical therapy’s ability to better manage pain associated with low back pain, hip/knee arthritis, & fibromyalgia compared to addictive opioids. That’s a big deal!
Myth #3: Physical therapy is only for ongoing injuries and accidents.
Truth: Physical therapists are skilled medical professionals trained in the ability to effectively evaluate a patient to identify potential barriers to healthy living and recovery. As such, they use their clinical expertise, education and experience to examine the whole person to better address root cause instead of placing a band aid over a symptom, whenever possible. These examinations can identify potential problems before they develop, creating a more proactive approach to wellness and health living efforts.
Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. However, many people do not know what to do or how to engage in activity safely. Physical therapists are movement experts that can guide you along the path to improved wellness. This guidance will better empower individuals to take control of their health. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the cognitive effects of normal aging, reduce the risk for falls, lower medical costs and improve the feeling of wellbeing through the powerful release of endorphins (among other benefits!).
To read more on how physical therapy can enhance your life or to listen in on several great podcasts on the topic, check out Choose PT. #ChoosePT
Myth #4: Any health care professional can perform physical therapy.
Truth: Physical therapists are highly skilled and well-trained medical professionals that complete a rigorous curriculum. As a result, this includes graduate studies and currently culminates in advanced doctoral degrees. Many clinicians go on to further advance their knowledge and practice by becoming board certified specialists in numerous subspecialties. This includes, but is not limited to: orthopedics, women’s health, neurological, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
Physical therapists are highly trained and ambitious professionals who constantly strive to improve their skill sets in order to promote community wellbeing and encourage healthy living among their patients. Therefore, it is crucial that the consumer seek out licensed professionals to receive expert care. This will provide the consumer maximal benefit through a proper examination and the individualized program that follows.
Did you know that October is National Physical Therapy month? In this month, we celebrate the contributions of physical therapists across the nation who employ their skills to address the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of their patients through their work. We strive to support this profession by raising awareness of the benefits of physical therapy.
Click HERE to find a licensed physical therapist near you.
Myth 5: Physical therapy isn’t covered by insurances.
Truth: Most insurance plans cover at least part of physical therapy services, some more generously than others. Take a moment next open enrollment period and identify your physical therapy benefits. If you have the opportunity to choose among multiple plans, select one that gives you broader access to wellness services like PT that will facilitate a heathier lifestyle long term.
Additionally, most PTs are very mindful of financial constraints and use that as part of the planning process when developing an individualized plan.
Moreover, physical therapy has been well studied and proven via research to reduce health care costs across the board. This is through fewer unnecessary imaging orders, less surgical interventions, and fewer prescription drug needs. Physical therapy contributes to the restoration of motion & mobility, while striving to improve the quality of life. Such efforts prevent chronic conditions from developing, contribute to fall reduction, and better empower the consumer to properly care for him/herself. Fortunately, this further reduces financial burden on the consumer and insurance industry as a whole.
Myth 6: Surgery is my only option.
Truth: Physical therapy is well documented in helping to reduce the incidence of surgical intervention based on mild osteoarthritis, low back pain, rotator cuff injuries and meniscal knee pain. More studies are developed yearly that consistently find therapy to be helpful in reducing the need for common (& costly) orthopedic surgeries.
Myth 7: You need to attend several times per week.
Truth: Every patient’s plan is individualized based on the thorough examination provided on your first visit. That said, you will get out of therapy what you put into it.
You might not need to attend therapy in the clinic multiple times per week. Instead, your therapist will prescribe a very specific set of activities to easily (& safely!) perform at home between your attended sessions. This will expedite your recovery process and work towards your established goals.
Your therapist will use your attended sessions to further advance your recovery and evolve your program as appropriate. You and your therapist are a unique team that strive for a common goal. These goals include reduced pain, increased function, and improved quality of life. However, to accomplish those goals, understand that patient participation is highly linked to optimal recovery.
Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Often times we can be reluctant to start anything out of fear of injuring ourselves in the process. You don’t have to go it alone – physical therapists are excellent partners in your healthy lifestyle.
Consider employing the skills and talents of a great physical therapist to help you achieve your wellness goals this year!
