Physical therapy is a way to treat and rehabilitate patients who have trouble with mobility due to an injury, neurological condition, or age. If your doctor recommends physical therapy for you, you may struggle to find the right information due to myths. Here are common physical therapy myths:
Myth: You need a referral to see a physical therapist
Fact: While your doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist, you don't need a referral to see one. In fact, every state allows you to see a physical therapist for an evaluation without the need for a doctor's referral. Depending on the state, a referral may be necessary for some forms of treatment.
Myth: Physical therapy only involves exercises you can do on your own
Fact: Stretching and exercises are just some of the components of physical therapy. You can certainly do these activities on your own, but without the guidance of a physical therapist, you won't know if you're doing them correctly. There are certain services a physical therapist provides that you can't do. Here are some of these services:
Myth: Physical therapy is painful and difficult
Fact: Physical therapy shouldn't be painful. This myth likely started from the portrayal of physical therapy in movies where characters grimace and moan with pain during their therapy. Your physical therapist will tailor your therapy specifically to you and will work with you at your own pace. If therapy feels painful or difficult, let your therapist know right away.
Myth: Physical therapy doesn't treat chronic conditions
Fact: Physical therapists don't just treat people who've had injuries or strokes. Physical therapy can treat many conditions, including chronic ones. Here is a brief list of conditions a physical therapist can treat:
There are many more conditions not listed here, so call a physical therapist for an evaluation to see if your condition will benefit from therapy.
Myth: Physical therapy isn't flexible
Fact: Physical therapy is one of the most flexible treatments you can possibly have for a health condition that would benefit from therapy. Many physical therapists have flexible schedules and will work with you based on your needs. If you don't want to go to their office, many therapists provide in-home services. Also, your physical therapist may change the type and frequency of your therapy based on their continuing evaluation of your progress.
There are myths about physical therapy, but once you have the right information, you can decide if therapy is right for you. Contact a physical therapist like Annapolis Family Physical Therapy today for more information.
Share10 June 2016
Having a daughter comes with a number of challenges. One challenge that you will one day need to tackle is determining when to introduce your daughter to the gynecologist. Do you take your daughter to the same gynecologist that you see or take her somewhere else? Do you wait until she gets her first period or do you take her in to learn about the menstrual cycle from the doctor? There is a long list of questions you likely have about introducing your daughter to the world of gynecology. Having gone through this twice myself, I have learned quite a bit and have included a lot of helpful information in my site to help other parents get through this complicated time a little easier.
