With many aspects of health and fitness, it is inevitable that the truth can be twisted and myths can arise in relation to certain things. Physiotherapy is no different with what people know and what people expect often differing from fact. Below we have broken down some common myths for you to understand the facts surrounding physiotherapy:

I can only see a physiotherapist or receive physiotherapy if my doctor or GP has referred me: This is a myth in that patients can come directly to see a physiotherapist of their own accord. This is not to say that patients cannot be referred to physiotherapy, but in many cases a costly doctors visit just to be told that they need to see a physiotherapist can be avoided. At PhysioCare, you can call our front-of-house staff to discuss your needs and be booked in for an initial assessment with a male or female physiotherapist. At this assessment you will be examined by and talk with your physiotherapist in relation to your problem and treatment will begin accordingly.

My physiotherapy treatment isn’t covered by my health insurer: The myth here is that all health insurers do not offer cover for physiotherapy treatment. We advise you to check the terms and conditions of your policy and also liaise with your health insurer as there are policies that offer physiotherapy cover. This cover can be found on many types of cover i.e. family, personal or work cover but we advise you to investigate this with your insurer as it can differ between insurance companies.

Physiotherapy and physiotherapy treatment is painful: It is a myth to generalise physiotherapy as a whole by saying that it is a painful treatment. The goal of PhysioCare’s chartered physiotherapist is to get you pain free. While it is true that some patients may find certain aspects of their treatment painful i.e. testing the flexibility and/or mobility of their joints; the combined treatment approach of manual therapy, prescribed exercises and clinical advice that all our patients leave their treatment with is aimed to aid their recovery and progress towards a pain free life.

Physiotherapy is only for people who have been injured playing sports: While sports injuries often require physiotherapy as their first point of treatment, saying that only those who play sports or have a sports injury receive physiotherapy is a myth. Physiotherapy is a proven effective treatment for conditions that affect the joints, muscles and nerves. Whether this is caused by illness or injury, the benefits of physiotherapy treatment are targeted to help those suffering from a range of complaints such as whiplash, low back pain, arthritis, headaches and foot pain.

Resting and my mattress contribute to my back pain: There have not been any well-conducted trials to verify a link between the mattress on your bed and the pain in your back. Similarly, resting in bed is practically the opposite to what your physiotherapist will suggest for back pain. This being that light exercise and mobility to mobilise the back muscles, thus promoting better posture and form, is a recommended approach to tackling pack pain.

Physiotherapy treatment lasts a long time – even forever: While the length that one undergoes physiotherapy for differs between patients, it is important to remember that the aim of physiotherapy is to ‘fix’ your problem and not just temporarily relieve the pain before it flares up again. This can require multiple treatment sessions in what PhysioCare offers as part of your personalised treatment plan as a continuum of care to you.

Please call 01 531 0001 to book an appointment or enquire about physiotherapy at PhysioCare. Our team of chartered physiotherapists are trained in a range of treatment techniques to suit you and your needs. Yours in health, PhysioCare.

References

Barry, G. (2014) ‘Physio Myths Busted’ [Accessed 02/02/15]

Nayyar, N. (2015) ‘Physiotherapy Myth Busters’ [Accessed 02/02/15]

Webley, A. (2014). ‘Exercise Myths’ [online] [Accessed 02/02/15]

Ziniak, A. (2014). ‘The Five Biggest Physio Myths Busted’ [online] Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2793547/the-five-biggest-physio-myths-busted-stretching-exercise-wearing-neck-brace-whiplash.html [Accessed 02/02/15]