With the high demand for quality physical therapy services there still remains many questions and myths to when physical therapy is warranted and how it is delivered to a sometimes misinformed public. A recent survey conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) revealed common misnomers adults have regarding physical therapy:
- Physical Therapy is painful
- Physical Therapy is only for injuries or accidents
- A Physician referral or prescription is required to see a Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapy is not covered by health insurance
- Any healthcare professional can perform physical therapy
- Physical Therapy can be done entirely by the patient (with or without surgical intervention)
- Surgery is the only option
Other findings of the survey include:
- 71% of people who have never visited a Physical Therapist think physical therapy is painful. That percentage significantly decreased among patients who had visited a physical therapist within the past year.
- 19% of consumers think physical therapy is only for rehabilitation, despite 81% recognizing physical therapist diverse skills
- Although the survey found 42% of consumers are aware physical therapy can be performed only by a licensed Physical Therapist, 37% still believe other healthcare professionals can provide physical therapy. The remaining 21% were unsure. (This is scary as some other healthcare professional and even personal trainers tout themselves as performing rehabilitation and restorative therapy).
- 79% of people who recently have seen a Physical Therapist believe physical therapy can be a viable alternative to surgery.
For information on what quality Physical Therapy is please contact:
Greg Sterner, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Physical Therapy, Owner
San Diego Sports Physical Therapy
2750 Dewey Rd. Ste 101
San Diego, CA 92106
