If you’ve been to physical therapy in the past, or if you’ve heard friends and family members share their stories, you may have an idea or two about who we are and what we do. Here are some fun facts about physical therapy that might surprise you!
- Physical therapists hold advanced graduate degrees. Some therapists who have been in the field for a while might have a masters degrees, but the majority of those practicing today hold a doctorate degree.
- Physical therapists work in a variety of settings. They can be found in just about every area of health care including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, schools, athletic training rooms, in-home care, research departments, and rehabilitation centers.
- Some physiotherapy types can be more effective than medication when it comes to managing pain. We specialize in exercises, manual techniques, and modalities that can reduce inflammation and improve function without those medication related side effects.
- Physical therapists can treat vertigo. Dizzy spells that occur when you change positions, like sitting up or rolling over in bed, or looking side to side is known as positional vertigo. This is caused by problems with the inner ear. As physical therapists, we are trained in evaluation and treatment techniques to reduce or clear dizziness.
- Physical therapists can treat incontinence. Incontinence plagues both men and women. Sadly, many people learn to live with urinary incontinence despite effective exercises and treatment options available. This area of physical therapy is highly specialized, so check with your local PT clinic to find out which location provides these services.
- Physical therapy isn’t always a “no pain, no gain” situation. Truth be told, physical therapy doesn’t always hurt, and pain doesn’t always lead to gain. For many conditions, the goal is to reduce pain with movement and allow for rest and recovery.
- In some districts, like North Carolina, you can see a physical therapist without a referral. They are what is known as a Direct Access state, meaning you can see a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor. Your insurance company may limit how many visits you can have before requiring a doctor’s order, but you can definitely get your first visit scheduled right away.
- Not all PT clinics are the same. Many clinics still operate on a high volume model where therapists are juggling two or more patients at a time. There are a few clinics that use a one-on-one model, where patients and therapists work together for the entire treatment session. Consider which approach is right for you, and ask about the scheduling model before booking your appointment.
- A physical therapist’s “massage” might not feel great. We use soft tissue mobilization to improve a muscle’s tone and mobility, and to release knots in the muscle known as trigger points. This is not the relaxing massage you receive at a spa.
- Your home exercise program is key to success. Although we are highly trained and educated, we can’t do it alone. Physical therapy is physical! A few exercises in the clinic twice a week won’t get you to your goals quickly, so we need you to do your part at home. Teamwork between you and your PT will get you moving better, and living better faster!
So as you see, physiotherapy is generally an effective form of treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions. Physiotherapy uses evidence-based techniques and exercises to help individuals improve their physical function, manage pain, and enhance overall well-being.
The effectiveness of physiotherapy can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual’s unique circumstances. However, physiotherapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits and positive outcomes for many people. Some of the common conditions where physiotherapy is effective include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Physiotherapy can help in the rehabilitation of various injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and joint dislocations. It aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore strength and function.
- Post-surgical rehabilitation: Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process after surgeries such as joint replacements, ligament repairs, or spinal surgeries. It helps to regain strength, flexibility, and function while minimizing complications.
- Neurological conditions: Physiotherapy can assist individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries. It focuses on improving mobility, balance, coordination, and restoring functional independence.
- Chronic pain management: Physiotherapy techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation, can help manage chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic back pain.
- Sports injuries: Physiotherapy is commonly used in sports medicine to treat and prevent sports-related injuries. It includes injury assessment, rehabilitation exercises, and techniques to enhance performance and prevent future injuries.
- Respiratory conditions: Physiotherapy can be beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or cystic fibrosis. It includes breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, and exercise programs to improve lung function and endurance.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of physiotherapy can vary from person to person, and the outcome depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, individual adherence to the treatment plan, and the expertise of the physiotherapist. It is recommended to consult with a qualified physiotherapist who can assess your specific needs and provide personalized treatment for the best possible outcomes.
