I chose to write this column today to share with you a topic that was published in a physical therapy journal. The original article focused on 7 myths about physical therapy, but I will just summarize a few.
- Any healthcare provider can provide Physical Therapy
False, physical therapists are licensed in the US, and thus physical therapy can only be called physical therapy when provided by a licensed physical therapist. Some PTs also attain specialty and/or board certification to designate advanced level training.
- I need a referral for PT
False, in PA many insurance companies allow their members to seek physical therapy care without doctor referral for 30 days. Physical therapists are trained to be first line musculoskeletal providers, and are able to evaluate and triage patients. If your condition does not appear to be a straightforward musculoskeletal case, your PT will refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional. If you are appropriate for PT, you can get started on your care sooner than if you had to make the intermediate step of visiting a doctor first. After the 30-day time window a signed plan of care or script for PT is necessary to continue beyond that point.
- I can just do exercise on my own
True. You can do exercise on your own, BUT why then are you not better? Physical therapists are trained in the subtleties of human movement, know what the scientific evidence says for treating various conditions, and are able to specifically tailor a treatment plan to meet the needs of the injured patient. Physical Therapist expertise can help get you back to “normal” faster than the wait and see approach.
4 Surgery is my only option
There are many conditions for which surgery is offered; yet conservative measures such as physical therapy have been shown to be equally effective. Many degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis and even some tears of the meniscus and rotator cuff can be conservatively treated. In these cases, seeking physical therapy care sooner is better as negative consequences of these conditions will increase as time passes.
For full article, click here http://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail/7-myths-about-physical-therapy
If you have an injury and are unsure of what to do next, try calling a physical therapist to discuss your options. We can help direct you to the best medical professional to help you if it is not physical therapy. We can do all that for less cost and without medications, injections or imaging.