Common Misconceptions About Physical Therapy
There are many common misconceptions
about what physical therapy entails. Let’s
discuss a few common misconceptions and explain how physical therapy can help
you get back to the activities you love, without pain!
Myth: Physical therapy is the same as receiving a massage
While physical therapy utilizes
soft tissue mobilization similar to massage, the main difference is physical therapists
are more target specific with their techniques.
With soft tissue mobilization, physical therapists look for muscles that
are tender to the touch, which means the muscle is in some dysfunction. Therefore, to decrease the tenderness, more
pressure is applied to release muscle tension and decrease tenderness by
releasing scar tissue and increasing blood flow to the area. Soft tissue mobilization usually includes
some discomfort. These techniques are
not used on every patient and are injury specific.
Myth: Physical therapy is only for athletes or people who had surgery
Physical therapy is useful in
treating a large variety of pain and injuries from simple strains/sprains to
post operative care. We also treat a
large range of the population from pediatric conditions to elderly with a wide
range of activity levels. Physical therapy
can be helpful to people injured in car accidents, weekend warriors
(recreational sport players), pregnant women, seniors, teens, elderly,
post-operative, and job related injuries.
Physical therapists are also trained to detect symptoms that might
require a referral to another health care professional to help treat any
underlying issues that might be causing the symptoms.
Myth: Physical therapists will only use passive therapy and exercise for
my problems
Some of the passive techniques
people commonly think of are ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical
stimulation. While these techniques are
utilized, they are used in conjunction with manual techniques and specific
exercises to help assist in the healing process. Yes, physical therapy does include exercise,
but we use specific exercises to strengthen and stabilize areas of weakness
that might be the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Myth: Physical therapy will be painful
It is possible to experience
temporary soreness from manual techniques or exercises. However, these effects should not last more
than 24 hours and the end result is usually relief of your initial
symptoms/pain. Physical therapists use
specific techniques and exercises to assist the body by aiding with the normal
healing process and help it rebuild to function normally. Physical therapy is safe and the
soreness/discomfort will be minor and temporary with the goal of decreasing your
symptoms.
I hope after reading this article
you have a better understanding of physical therapy. If pain is limiting your daily activities,
please contact AZOPT at (623) 242-6908 to schedule your evaluation.
