Physical Therapy Common Myths
Physical therapy and physical training are similar as they both involve physical activity.
Physical therapy combines exercises to help individuals reduce pain and regain movement. Since the treatment is always tailored to a person's specific needs, it efficiently treats unique physical challenges different people might face.
Still, some remain skeptical about such treatment plans. Let's debunk some common myths that discourage people from physical therapy:
Only injured people should go for physical therapy
Many believe that only patients recovering from injuries should attend physical therapy sessions. Contrary to this belief, physical therapy is a versatile healthcare service. Besides treating injuries, it also helps people with chronic pain, movement issues, disability, and balance issues.
Physical therapy is the same as physical training
Physical therapy and physical training are similar as they both involve physical activity. However, they differ in their approach.
For instance, physical training focuses on improving fitness and well-being. On the other hand, physical therapy aims to restore movement and enhance the quality of life for people suffering from injury or illness.
The other difference is that a person can participate in physical training independently or with a personal trainer. For physical therapy, a person requires guidance from a licensed physical therapist.
Lastly, physical training can occur anywhere from a gym to a leveled outdoor space. At the same time, physical therapy is confined to a clinical or hospital setting.
Physical therapy causes pain
Instead of causing pain, physical therapy relieves it. Before starting a session, the physical therapist evaluates the patient's condition, including their pain threshold.
With this information, they design a personalized exercise plan that won't cause pain or discomfort to the patient. As healing continues, the health professional modifies the exercises to match the patient's changing needs.
Most importantly, physical therapy involves pain-reducing techniques like heat and ice. Patients also get advice on methods to prevent and reduce pain while performing their duties.
Only older people can benefit from physical therapy
While it's true that older adults benefit from physical therapy, there's no age limit. As mentioned, physical therapy treats different health problems that affect people of all ages. Finding toddlers and school-aged children in physical therapy clinics is no surprise.
It's okay to reduce food portions when attending physical therapy
Physical therapy exercise is not always intensive like physical training, especially when starting. Many patients who had an active lifestyle before an injury assume they can reduce their food portions to avoid gaining weight.
However, this slows down their healing process. The reason is that the body requires more calories when healing. If it's insufficient, it will start breaking down the stored energy, causing the patient to lose weight significantly and slow down their healing.
Attend physical therapy
Physical therapy can improve the health of any person suffering from physical injury or pain. Before proceeding, it's always advisable to consult a licensed physical therapist.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
