Physiotherapy is a well-known term today. We all have heard about physiotherapy. But how many of us actually understand the term? All around the globe, it has been helping people recover, rehabilitate, and transform their lives.
While the demand for physiotherapists continues to rise and many consumers are experiencing the transformative effects of physiotherapy, some misconceptions persist. Debunking common ones to better enable consumers to take charge of their health and improve their overall fitness, mobility, and quality of life.
There are a number of myths and misconceptions about physiotherapy, including its use, what has involved, and the cost:
So, here are some facts to dispel the common myths and explain what an effective form of treatment it can be.
1) MYTH: I need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist.
FACT: Imaging won’t pick up stiff joints, tight muscles, or weak muscles. Physiotherapists are extremely thorough when screening their patients. At your first visit, they take a very detailed medical history and perform specific assessments. Patients can seek treatment from a physiotherapist without a doctor’s prior referral.
2) MYTH: Physiotherapy is painful.
FACT: Physiotherapists seek to minimize pain and discomfort—even if it is chronic or long-term. They work within the range of your pain threshold to help you heal, and restore movement.
3) MYTH: Physiotherapy is only for injuries and accidents.
FACT: Physiotherapy can be used to help a diverse group of people wanting to keep active.
4) MYTH: Surgery is the final/only option.
FACT: From treating degenerative disc disease, rotator cuff tears, forms of knee osteoarthritis to meniscal tears, physiotherapy has proven to be as effective as surgery. Therefore having surgery is not your only option. Consult a physiotherapist and you could be glad to have made that choice in the long run. In many cases, physiotherapy has been shown to be on par with surgery in treating a wide range of conditions – from rotator cuff tears and degenerative disk disease to meniscal tears and some forms of knee osteoarthritis.
5) MYTH: Physiotherapy is an art, not science.
FACT: One of the most common myths around physiotherapy is that it is an art and physiotherapists are artists. In actuality, physiotherapists are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat disabilities.
6) MYTH: Treats only muscle pain.
FACT: Physiotherapists are qualified to treat a wide range of diseases and their expertise is not limited to muscle pain and ligament related issues. Conditions such as vestibular rehabilitation, paralysis, sports injuries, chronic pain, pelvic-floor rehabilitation, and many more can be treated by physiotherapy.
7) MYTH: Healing takes a long time.
FACT: Another common myth around it is that it takes forever to heal. Though Physiotherapy aims complete cure and not just a temporary fix, results are usually visible in a few sessions. Depending on the severity of the problem, the treatment plan can vary and might be longer than others but results are visible from the initial sessions itself.
8) MYTH: Modernized term for massage therapy.
FACT: Physiotherapy and massage are two completely separate things. Physiotherapy is a practice to cure pain and disabilities while on the other hand, massage is a practice for relaxation. Besides, physiotherapy is based on a comprehensive historical study, physical examination, and diagnosis.
9) MYTH: It is expensive
FACT: It is quite reasonably priced nowadays. Many hospitals and home healthcare services these days provide physiotherapy treatment at affordable prices making it attainable for all.
10) MYTH: Physiotherapists are diploma holders
FACT: On the contrary, it is a proper course of 4 years followed by 6 months of internship. Physiotherapists are qualified to diagnose and treat acute to chronic pain.
These are few widespread myths around Physiotherapy.