May is here, which means it's National Physiotherapy Month! Don't forget to click here to check out my post last year about facts you didn't know about physiotherapy. How much do you know? Here are some myths or misconceptions about physiotherapy:
You need to be referred to physiotherapy by a doctor.
A majority of people think that a referral is needed by a physician in order to see a physiotherapist. This is not true. You can just walk into any health clinic (with registered physiotherapists) to get physiotherapy treatments. What is true is that some insurance companies may require a doctor's note or script in order for you to get reimbursed.
Physiotherapy is for athletes, seniors, people with disabilities, or people who have been in car accidents.
Yes, we treat a lot of athletes. Yes, we do rehab after strokes or spinal cord injuries or amputations. Yes, we see people after their car accidents. But that is not all we do! Physiotherapists are trained to treat a lot more conditions than that. People of all ages with any musculoskeletal pain or condition can come in to see us, and we'd be able to help. What people don't realize is that some physiotherapists also treat conditions such as dizziness and vertigo, concussions, TMJ, pelvic floor dysfunctions, and a myriad of other problems. There are even physiotherapists who work at the hospital and treat cardiopulmonary issues such as pneumonia and COPD, while others deal with wound care.
i can perform physical therapy MYSELF.
Your participation in treatment is definitely a key to success, but every patient still needs the expertise and guidance of a registered physiotherapist. Your needs must be assessed, and an individualized treatment plan must be created that is appropriate for you. That's what we're trained to do! Besides, physiotherapy is about more than just stretching and exercising, which leads to the next myth...
All you do in physiotherapy is exercise.
It's true that we use therapeutic exercises as a treatment to help our patients recover, but that is only a small part of the picture. Physiotherapists use other tools, modalities, and hands-on techniques to help reduce pain and inflammation, decrease muscle tension, and improve overall mobility and function. Many physiotherapists are also trained in additional skills such as manual therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, and manipulations.
You need to be injured to see a physiotherapist.
Most people do only go to physio after an injury or surgery; however, we're also skilled at evaluating and diagnosing potential problems before they lead to more serious injuries or disabling conditions. This is an important part of injury prevention. Personally, I also see a lot of patients for "maintenance" care in order to prevent flareups of their conditions. In addition, it is recommended for people who are scheduled for surgery to get "prehab" beforehand so that they can have a better recovery or outcome afterwards. At the end of the day, anyone can benefit from physiotherapy.
A visit to the physiotherapist hurts or causes more pain.
Yes, a visit to the physio is commonly associated with pain. If you're seeking help, you're likely already in a lot of pain. Yes, you may feel hypersensitivity and temporary soreness after some manual treatments and exercises. However, we describe this as good pain; we would never do anything that would cause bad pain, and we generally try to work within your pain threshold. This temporary discomfort is considered a normal part of the process as your body starts to heal and rebuild itself.
Physiotherapists can prescribe medication or diagnostic tests
Physiotherapists do not have the ability to prescribe medications. We can recommend certain over the counter medications, but we're not allowed prescribing you anything. Also, as much as I'd like to be able to send you for x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI's, we don't have that ability either. You would need to go back to a doctor for these tests.
Still have doubts about physiotherapy? Book a free 15 minute consult with me, and I'll change your mind :) Spread the word this month because physiotherapy can help!
