Physical Therapy myths BUSTED
You need a doctor referral to see a physical therapist
NOPE! One of the most common untruths is that you can only seek physical therapy treatment when your primary doctor refers you. Physical therapy in Kansas is now direct access which is in part due to physical therapy now being a doctorate level degree. This can include faster treatment and potentially lower medical costs. Rather than paying a co-pay to see your doctor first, you can come to one of our clinics to begin receiving care right away.
Any medical professional can perform PT
Again…..NOPE! Most people do not realize that physical therapy is a 3 year doctorate degree following a 4 year undergraduate degree focusing on human movement, anatomy and rehabilitation.
Physical therapy and massage therapy are the same thing
Physical therapists are highly trained human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics and can provide more in-depth care than muscle massage. We love massage therapists, but we do very different jobs!
Physical therapy is only for injuries or after surgeries
Although we do treat many patients for injuries and surgeries, we can treat so much more! We can help to improve sports performance levels, improve a golfers thoracic ROM to increase their swing, and improve balance in athletes and active adults of all ages along with much much more!
Surgery is more effective than physical therapy
I have had many times when I have felt insulted or that a patient did not respect my degree and all the effort I put into becoming a physical therapist. They will come in and say “I am only here because my insurance won’t let me have surgery until I see a PT for 6 weeks. There is nothing you can do to help me”. (This is also one of the reasons I left corporate healthcare to open a cash-based PT clinic). In some cases, physical therapy has actually been scientifically proven and more effective to treat symptoms than surgery.
Feel free to reach out to us at 316-613-1074 with any questions or concerns you may have!
