Who Are Physical Therapists?

Physical therapists are movement experts who help people reduce pain, improve or restore mobility, and stay active. However, there are some common misconceptions that often discourage people from seeking physical therapist treatment.

Here are some common myths about physical therapists:

Myth 1: you need a referral to see a physical therapist.

A survey by the American Physical Therapy Association found that 70 % of people believe a referral or prescription is needed to see a physical therapist. However, Maryland is a direct access state, meaning a patient can go directly to a physical therapist for an evaluation without a referral!

Myth 2: physical therapy isn’t covered by insurance.

Most insurance companies will cover some form of physical therapy. Beyond insurance coverage, physical therapy has proven to reduce costs by helping people avoid unnecessary imaging scans, surgery, or prescription drugs. Physical therapy can also lower costs by helping patients avoid falls or by addressing conditions before they become chronic.

Myth 3: physical therapy is only for injuries or accidents.

Physical therapists do much more than just strengthen and stretch muscles. They also evaluate and diagnose potential problems that can lead to pain or more serious issues in the future. Physical therapists evaluate your strength, coordination, posture, gait, and balance to assess the need for intervention and prevent future problems!

Myth 4: I can do physical therapy on my own.

While your participation in physical therapy outside of the in-person treatment session is crucial to see optimal improvement, every patient needs the guidance of a skilled physical therapist to assess your individual needs and response to treatment. Your physical therapist is the expert in assessing and diagnosing your condition to determine what interventions are most effective and appropriate for you.

Don’t let these myths discourage you from seeing one of our physical therapists to address your needs! Call us today for an evaluation to assess your pain, dizziness, or balance problems!