Debunking 11 Most Common Myths and Misconceptions about Physiotherapy
The patient’s ongoing success has significantly increased the demand for physiotherapy. We are all familiar with physiotherapy because most have used it for ourselves or someone close to us. A wide range of health conditions is treated by visiting a physiotherapy clinic in Calgary, including those connected to old age problems, neurological conditions, women’s health conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, or sports-related injuries. The benefits of physiotherapy for chronic pain management are numerous.
Although most of us have a rough understanding of what physiotherapy entails, you must have observed that we occasionally assume things about any untrue area. Physiotherapy fits into the same category.
Exercises used in physiotherapy are derived from the area of medicine that emphasizes the use of massage, heat treatment, and exercise to treat illnesses and injuries. Compared to other medical specialties, this discipline of medicine only uses medications or surgery if required, and there is no other option.
Here are some of the myths about physiotherapy and the facts dispelling them.
#1. It consists of walking and stretching
While walking and muscular stretching are a large part of physiotherapy, these are not the only treatments available in this area of medicine. Acupuncture, various massage treatments, and other types of therapy, including laser and heat therapy, are all used by physiotherapists. Your treatment strategy will be determined by the ailment you have.
#2. It is just for sports injuries
Another physiotherapy myth is that the practice is only for athletes or fitness enthusiasts. People mistakenly believe that physiotherapists only work with athletes or are associated with sports organizations. As opposed to this, physiotherapy may be used to treat a wide range of patients with different diseases, including neurological ailments, pediatric conditions, geriatric conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, etc. There is a physiotherapy myth that it is a painful and uncomfortable process that should be avoided.
#3. You require a referral to see a physiotherapist
In reality, this is untrue. Physiotherapists are skilled specialists who decide if a patient only needs physiotherapy or medical care. A physiotherapist can assess, diagnose, and develop a therapy plan for the patient. Therefore, the patient can receive physiotherapy care without seeking medical advice.
#4. It is about exercises
There is a myth that physiotherapy is only effective for physical ailments and cannot help with mental health concerns. A physiotherapy treatment regimen may include exercises that one can perform at home too. But physiotherapists offer more than just exercises; they may also utilize various methods to design unique therapy programs. These include taping, acupuncture, postural education, postural coaching, electrotherapy (TENS, shockwave therapy, ultrasound treatment, etc.), manual therapy (joint mobilizations, deep tissue massage, trigger point release), and taping.
#5. Not worth the time and money
There is a widespread misperception regarding physical therapy compared to traditional medical procedures like surgery. For some diseases, physiotherapy can be beneficial as surgery without putting you at risk for any of the complications. Doctors frequently suggest physiotherapy as an alternative to surgery.
#6. Physiotherapy is massage therapy
Soft tissue manipulation is sometimes a little and other times nonexistent complement to comprehensive treatment for physiotherapists, who are not merely massage therapists. While massage is a technique for relaxation, physiotherapy is a discipline that addresses disability and relieves pain.
#7. It only cures muscle pain
The conditions that physiotherapists are trained to treat include not only muscle pain and related problems but also disc problems, arthritic joints, joint stiffness, scoliosis, nerve problems, tendon problems, foot problems, headaches, vertigo, women’s health issues like incontinence, neurological issues like balance and coordination problems and stroke rehab, post-surgery recovery, and many more.
#8. It is redundant
This misconception is based on the fact that physiotherapy is a traditional medical practice that dates back to Hippocrates in ancient Greece. While it has origins that reach back as far as 2000, it is still very modern. Exercises used in physiotherapy also combine technologically based therapies, including hydrotherapy and laser therapy. It’s crucial to realize that just because something is old doesn’t always imply it’s useless.
#9. Some believe it is just a gym center
The gym is often for those who need fitness, whereas physiotherapy clinics are for patients. Exercises taught by a gym trainer cannot be given to a patient as therapeutic exercises by a physiotherapist since they differ from those activities. Because physiotherapists must keep their patients active, their clinics offer fitness equipment.
#10. Not covered by insurance
Numerous health insurance providers pay for physiotherapy. However, you should chat with your insurance provider or read the fine print to determine if your policy follows suit. Physiotherapy-related riders are available from certain insurance companies, but others include them as part of the core coverage of the initial policy. Of course, this differs from business to business.
#11. Cannot avoid surgery with it
One common physiotherapy myth is that it is only necessary for those who have suffered a serious injury or undergone surgery. Physiotherapy, a non-surgical treatment method, aims to enhance the patient’s health by reducing discomfort, enhancing mobility, and regaining functioning. Physiotherapy is as successful as surgery in treating problems including osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, meniscal tears, and degenerative disc disease. Surgery is not the sole choice for this reason. Physiotherapy frequently produces excellent outcomes and avoids surgery for a variety of illnesses.