Here at Mission Physical Rehabilitation, we want to help you navigate through the common myths and misconceptions associated with physical therapy. When making any health care decision, it’s always best to be well informed. We hope you find this information helpful.
- Myth: A doctor’s referral is necessary to see a physical therapist. Fortunately, Texas is a Direct Access state, which allows individuals to consult a physical therapist without a referral.
- Myth: Physical therapy is painful. Not true! The goal of physical therapy is to alleviate pain and enhance function. While some exercises may cause discomfort, your therapist will ensure your comfort throughout the process.
- Myth: Physical therapy is only for injuries and accidents. On the contrary, physical therapy assists in managing a variety of conditions, which include chronic pain, neurological disorders, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Myth: Any healthcare provider can administer physical therapy. Incorrect! Physical therapy is a specialized field, which requires in-depth knowledge and training, which only licensed physical therapists possess.
- Myth: Physical therapy isn’t covered by insurance. Most insurance plans provide coverage for physical therapy services. Always check your insurance policy for specifics.
- Myth: Surgery is the only solution. Physical therapy can often be an effective alternative to surgical procedures, helping manage pain, improve mobility, and restore function.
With these common physical therapy myths addressed, let’s dive deeper into each misconception about physical therapy and replace them with accurate information.
Myth: A doctor’s referral is needed to see a physical therapist.
While this is a common belief, it is not accurate. Thanks to direct access laws here in Texas, patients can now seek physical therapy services without a doctor’s referral. This allows you to take control of your healthcare and seek timely treatment for your condition.
Texas law allows physical therapists to provide direct physical therapy evaluation and treatment services for a period of up to 10 or 15 consecutive business days. If patients require treatment beyond that time period, we can assist with obtaining a referral for further treatment.
Direct access not only saves you time and money by bypassing unnecessary doctor’s visits but also enables you to receive immediate care when needed. Physical therapists are well-equipped to evaluate your condition and formulate a personalized treatment plan.
Myth: Physical therapy is painful.
Contrary to this belief, which is one of the most persistent myths about physical therapy, therapy aims to alleviate pain and improve function. While some exercises may cause minor discomfort, your therapist will always prioritize your comfort and safety.
Therapists use various techniques and tools to minimize discomfort and promote healing. They also provide personalized treatment plans, considering factors like your medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Ultimately, physical therapy aims to enhance your strength, mobility, and quality of life in a safe and comfortable environment.
Myth: Physical therapy is only for injuries and accidents.
Physical therapy is a versatile treatment method that can help manage a wide range of conditions, not just injuries and accidents. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, balance issues, or more, physical therapy can offer effective relief.
Moreover, physical therapy can also serve as preventive care, addressing muscular imbalances, correcting posture, and improving body mechanics to prevent future injuries. Here at Mission Physical Rehabilitation, our experienced therapists are committed to providing comprehensive care to help you achieve better health. This debunks one of the major therapy myths.
Myth: Any healthcare provider can perform physical therapy.
This is a common misbelief and one of the biggest myths about physical therapy. Physical therapy requires specialized skills and expertise that only licensed physical therapists possess. They complete extensive education and training, including a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and must pass a national licensure exam.
At Mission Physical Rehabilitation, we value the qualifications and expertise of our licensed physical therapists. They possess the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care, minimizing potential risks and ensuring the highest quality of care for our patients.
Myth: Physical therapy isn’t covered by insurance.
This misconception often deters people from seeking physical therapy. The truth is, most insurance plans do cover physical therapy services. It’s crucial to understand your specific plan’s coverage details, deductibles, co-pays, and limitations. Navigating insurance claims can be challenging but understanding your policy and working with an in-network physical therapy clinic can maximize your coverage. This is another example of the common misconceptions about physical therapy.
Myth: Surgery is the only solution.
Physical therapy offers an array of non-surgical options to effectively manage your condition and restore function. It focuses on promoting natural healing and functional restoration without the risks of invasive procedures.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary, but physical therapy can be used pre-operatively or post-operatively to optimize your outcomes. At Mission Physical Rehabilitation, we are committed to exploring non-surgical alternatives to help you achieve your rehabilitation goals.
We hope this information has proven helpful in answering some questions you may have had about physical therapy. If you are considering physical therapy, our staff is more than happy to answer any further questions or help alleviate any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact one of our nine clinics throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
