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Five Physical Therapy Myths Debunked

March 19, 2019 | Tips & Trends
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Physical therapist with hands on knee area of patient.

Do you need a physician’s referral for physical therapy? Is surgery more effective?

In this blog, we’re answering these questions and more to debunk five of the most common physical therapy myths.

Five Physical Therapy Myths

Myth 1: If you don’t have insurance you can’t go to physical therapy

Most insurance policies will cover physical therapy. However, in the off chance that your insurance doesn’t cover physical therapy services, your physical therapist can still treat you. You may have to pay out-of-pocket for their services.

While it may be intimidating to think about paying for physical therapy without the help of your insurance company, don’t worry. Your physical therapist will work with you so that you can get the access that you need and deserve.

Myth 2: I have to be injured to go to physical therapy

It’s a preconceived notion that you have to have an injury or an ailment to warrant physical therapy. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

While educating patients, improving mobility, and preventing further pain and injury make up a large part of what physical therapists do for their patients, their services don’t stop there.

Our physical therapists at Phoenix Physical Therapy also:

Create individualized exercise programs that are catered to you and your needs to achieve your personal goals, following a thorough evaluation.
Review and discuss your progress and if there are any plan modifications that need to be made to achieve your best possible outcome.

Though important, physical therapists offer a lot more than just stretching and strengthening weakened muscles after an injury or surgery.

Myth 3: You need a physician’s referral to see a physical therapist

Thanks to Direct Access, in all 50 states, you do not need a referral to see a physical therapist for evaluation and for some physical therapy treatment.

If you’re unsure of your state’s Direct Access laws, take a look at this reference sheet from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Myth 4: Surgery is more effective than physical therapy

In most cases, physical therapy has been shown to be as effective as surgery in treating rotator cuff tears, meniscal tears, degenerative disk disease, and other conditions.

Physical therapy offers a holistic approach to therapeutic treatment with personalized care plans that are unique to each patients’ specific needs to promote better outcomes and recovery.

It’s not to say that a combination of surgery and physical therapy isn’t possible or beneficial. However, choosing a collaborative physical therapy treatment plan over surgery could help you avoid undergoing an expensive and invasive procedure.

Myth 5: I won’t receive individualized care at physical therapy

Every patient is different and at Phoenix Physical Therapy, we take that into account to create personalized treatment plans to help you feel like yourself again.

Collaboration is at the core of our efforts and our physical therapists work to educate you and explain why you’re doing a particular exercise.

We do this because we believe it’s encouraging for our patients to be actively involved in their treatment and recovery plans which leads to positive outcomes.

When you work with a Phoenix Physical Therapy physical therapist, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll receive the individualized care and attention that you deserve so we can help you achieve your goals!

Find a Phoenix Physical Therapy location near you.

The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
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