MYTHS ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY
Saturday 31st August 2024
Gemma B
MYTHS ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapists are specialists in movement. This blog will address some common misbeliefs that sometimes discourage individuals from seeks support from a physiotherapist.
MYTH: I NEED A REFERRAL
Fact: In the UK, 70% of people think you need a referral to see a physiotherapist. This is not true. You can book an appointment directly with a physiotherapist, without needing to be seen by a doctor first. If you are unsure if you need a physiotherapist, please feel free to give us a call and we can point you in the right direction if it appears that physiotherapy isn’t right for you.
If you are looking to seek physiotherapy through your insurance provider, it is worth checking your plan, as some require a referral from a doctor before paying for therapy.
It is worth noting that many specialities within the NHS also have self-referral services to physiotherapy. At Estuary Physio, we have regularly seen that NHS and private physiotherapy can and do compliment one another.
Please see our blog on what to expect in an initial consultation: Blog - Estuary Physio Home Visit Physiotherapy in London and Essex
MYTH: PHYSIOTHERAPY IS ONLY FOR SPORTS INJURIES
Fact: Physiotherapy is beneficial for a whole range of conditions including cancer, brain injury, women’s health, lung conditions and heart conditions, to name a few. Please see our physiotherapy services page.
MYTH: A SPORTS THERAPIST AND PHYSIOTHERAPIST ARE THE SAME
Fact: Both professions share many similarities, such as providing manual therapy, tailored exercise plans and patient education. However, their training, expertise and areas of focus are significantly different.
A physiotherapist tends to take more of a holistic approach, tending to consider the entire body and various systems. A physiotherapist needs to have completed Physiotherapy at University and have a valid registration with the HCPC. A sports therapist primarily focuses on the musculoskeletal system and are experts in sports-related injuries. A sports therapist are more likely to work with athletes. They often work on improving performance and preventing injury through sports-specific techniques and conditioning.
If you are unsure what you need, feel free to call us and a sport therapy provider to see which is the best fit for you.
MYTH: SURGERY IS MY ONLY OPTION
Fact: It is common for people to think that surgery is the only option for many medical conditions. In reality, there are often multiple treatment options. We refer to this as a toolbox of treatments. These include:
Medications
Lifestyle change: Diet, exercise, alcohol intake, drug consumption.
Minimally invasive procedures
Alternative therapist: Acupuncture and complementary therapies
Physiotherapy: Evidence suggests that rehabilitation is as effective as surgery in treating a range of conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears and degenerative disc disease.
MYTH: I CAN DO PHYSIOTHERAPY ALONE
Fact: A physiotherapist will leverage their education, clinical expertise and will have a good knowledge of the latest available evidence to evaluate your treatment needs. While some exercises can be performed at home, the professional guidance of a physiotherapist is crucial for a few key reasons:
It is important to get a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis.
It is common for the body to make compensations, which can cause further injury. A physiotherapist is able to correct your technique and give guidance on how to monitor for compensations outside of your 1 on 1 sessions.
Monitor effectiveness of treatment plan. When a flareup occurs or plateau happens, a physiotherapist can help identify the elements that need to be adjusted.
A therapist may also provide additional treatments like manual therapy, education and direct you to other areas should you need other support.
MYTH: PHYSIOTHERAPY IS PAINFUL
Fact: Some discomfort during therapy sessions is normal, as you work your way through injuries or stiffness and challenge your body in new ways. However, the ultimate long-term goal of physiotherapy is to allow you to improve your function and significantly reduce your pain.
Ensure you communicate with your therapist about pain you are experiencing throughout your week and during sessions. Physiotherapists often break tasks down into safe, manageable chucks, such as step ups, gradually as this gets easier, the intensity will be increased allowing you to return to previous function such as, running up a full flight of stairs.
MYTH: MY PHYSIOTHERAPIST WILL TELL ME TO REST
Fact: A physiotherapist has the same goal as you, to help you get back to your favourite activity, as quickly and safely, as possible. It may be that your therapist suggests modifications such as, reducing your running distances, change your technique or practice alternative exercises to keep you active whilst you allow your body to heal. Alongside any changes or new exercise plan, a therapist may be able to suggest adjuncts to help with your recovery, such as heat, ice, acupuncture and taping, to name a few.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT:
We understand that our clients often have a range of medical conditions. Our therapists have a broad range of backgrounds. For example, someone who has an physical injury, may also benefit from input from another health professional. Find a list of our approved partners here:
Booking an appointment
If you would like to find out more about Estuary Physios musculoskeletal service, please get in touch with us today and speak with one of our clinicians.
Medical Review
The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Barry Ford BSc MCSP, Physiotherapist
