Myths and Misconceptions About Physiotherapy

The term physical therapist refers to a movement expert who performs his/her skills on patients to help reduce their pain, restore or improve their mobility, and lead a vibrant and active life. Although researchers have proved that this form of treatment works, they are still some myths and misconceptions that discourage people who need these services from seeing a therapist. Here is a list of some common physical therapy myths:

1. Physiotherapy treatment is painful

The goal of most physical therapists is to minimize the patient’s discomfort and pain– including both long-term and chronic pain. These professionals strive to ensure that you are healed, and that movement and the body’s function is restored. Researchers’ survey revealed that more than 70% of persons who haven’t set foot in a physiotherapy clinic think this treatment program is painful. The number of people supporting this myth drops significantly when former physical therapy patients are quizzed.

2. This treatment is for the accident and injured victims only

A physical therapist’s work is way more than strengthening or stretching weak muscles and nerves following surgery or after sustaining an injury. These professionals are also skilled at diagnosis and evaluating potential future issues before they become a reality and cause disabling conditions like lower-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic headaches, frozen shoulder, or other serious injuries.

3. A referral letter is needed before one sees a physiotherapist

According to a survey recently done by the American Physical Therapy Association, more than 70 % of US citizens think that a prescription or a referral letter is needed for one to be evaluated by a therapist.

4. All health care providers can conduct physical therapy

Statistics show that even though 42% of the general public know that this treatment therapy should only be done by a qualified and a licensed therapist, 37% of persons choose to believe that all health care experts can administer the physical therapy.

5. Insurance does not cover physical therapy

Although most insurance company policies cover different therapy forms, always make sure that you insure yourself with an insurance company that offers this coverage. Experts say that this form of therapy has helped patients reduce unnecessary costs encountered when one chooses to undergo surgery, imaging scans, or take prescribed drugs. It also lowers medical costs by addressing conditions in patients’ that would otherwise become chronic and lead to unexpected falls or further complications.

6. It’s possible to conduct the therapy by yourself

For the treatment plan to be a success, the patient’s participation has to be as expected. Conducting the therapy by yourself is something most experts would discourage because you neither have the skills nor the knowledge to promote proper care and expert guidance. These are skills that you’ll acquire after undertaking a course in this field.

7. Undergoing surgery is the only option

I bet you are aware of the risks that are usually associated with surgical procedures. To avoid such risks, you can decide to go with an alternative treatment, which is physical therapy. The results and effectiveness of this treatment have been proven to be similar to that achieved by surgery. Physical therapy addresses various conditions such as spinal imbalance, but first, you’ll have to find out if your condition is treatable or not.

The Objectives of Physical Therapy

Shiloh chiropractic is a physiotherapy clinic near you offering various therapy procedures, including sports physiotherapy. The clinic has a chiropractor in Shiloh, IL, with years of experience and a good reputation. Below is a list of the therapy’s objectives:

• Relieve pain
• Improve limb mobility or movement
• Create an alternative option for people who don’t want to take the surgery route
• Prevent disability
• Improve body balance, thus reducing the chances of accidental falls or slips
• Give you control over your bladder or bowels
• Help in the management of chronic diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes
• Assist people to master the concept of using assistive devices such as a cane or a walker

Physical Therapy Treatment Methods

Treatment during a physiotherapy session may include:

• Massage, cold, or warm-water therapy
• Exercises and stretches on the specific body parts
• Practicing with assistive gadgets that will assist you in regaining your balance
• Rehabilitation that will help you master the skill of using artificial limbs