5 Common Myths About Physical Therapy
Physiotherapy also known as physical therapy has become a well sought-after treatment for various injuries and conditions. And for good reason, they are healthcare professionals who are well-versed in a wide range of issues that will help to improve movement and body function.
However, there are certain myths that tend to leave people skeptical when thinking about participating in physical therapy. In this blog, we’re going to clarify those misbeliefs and provide further information.
1. Physiotherapists are able to do massages
Technically speaking the answer to this one is, no. Physiotherapy and massage therapy are separate disciplines and therefore have different scopes of practice and massage is not within the scope of physical therapy.
The goal of physiotherapy is to focus on active therapy, pain management and work to improve body function. Whereas, massage therapy is focused on releasing muscle tension. However, on an as needed basis, our physiotherapists at Magnus Rehab in Brampton are able to do trigger point release which can help in reducing muscle discomfort and also covered under physiotherapy.
2. Physiotherapy only treats pain
This one is entirely false. Pain is a result of a deeper issue and physiotherapy is able to address the root cause to provide correction in order to eliminate pain. But that’s not all they’re able to do. These healthcare professionals also help to restore, maintain and enhance the mobility, function and well-being of the patient. They use various modalities to support the treatment of the patient in order to provide rehabilitation and injury prevention so that the patient is able to execute daily tasks with ease. The main goal of physical therapy is to improve the patient’s overall performance.
3. Physical therapy is painful
Pain is a sign that something is wrong, but you may experience some discomfort post session which is entirely normal when we work on soft tissues and joint alignments, so if you are feeling pain which you can’t tolerate while visiting your physiotherapist you must let them know and they should make modifications to their treatment.
Our physiotherapists are highly attentive and understanding of people’s experiences and work diligently to provide the highest quality of care to achieve the patient’s goals. The goal is to minimize pain and discomfort so that you feel good in your body.
4. You need a referral from your GP or an ultrasound/ MRI/ X-ray first
This is not true. You don’t need a referral or previous testing in order to visit a physiotherapist. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to seek support. Our team at Magnus Rehab in Brampton is passionate about providing the highest quality of care to those in need.
Scans and imaging don’t always show the most precise information. During your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will provide a thorough analysis as well as a review of your medical history, current symptoms and lifestyle. From this they will identify any issues and provide a treatment plan that will support the patient to achieve their goals.
5. Physical therapy just hooks you up to a machine then sends you home
Some physiotherapists can be very hands-off with patients, in that they simply hod them up to a TENs machine, do some ultrasound and send them on their way. However, at Magnus Rehab in Brampton, our team is mission is to provide the highest quality of care possible and because of that each patient’s treatment is individualized to suit their unique needs. We use a range of various treatment styles and modalities to best serve the patient. From cupping and fascial stretch therapy to strength training and everything in between.
And as the name clearly states, it’s PHYSICAL THERAPY. Our role is to get the patient involved in their healing in order to fully restore optimal function.
