8 Physiotherapy Myths

Physiotherapy Myth number 1: I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist.

FACT: Physiotherapists are autonomous professionals. We do not need a referral for either advice or to achieve funding from insurers or ACC

Physiotherapy Myth number 2:Physiotherapy is painful.

FACT: Physiotherapists seek to minimize pain and discomfort—even if it is quite severe. They work within the range of your pain threshold to help you heal, and restore movement. 99% of people say if they experience pain within a session it feels positive like stiff structures are being stretched or tight structures loosened

Physiotherapy Myth number 3: Physiotherapy is only for injuries and accidents.

FACT: In New Zealand because of how ACC funds a lot pf Physiotherapy it is used primarily to address accidents and injuries.  However, can be used to help a diverse group of people wanting to keep active. It helps in rehabilitation, as well as prevention of injury and promotion of health and fitness. One does not only have to see a physiotherapist when injured, you may seek physiotherapy for preventative measures.

Physiotherapy Myth number 4:  Surgery is the final/only option.

FACT:  Although Pure Physio Albany does refer to some truly expert surgeons it is mercifully rare that any of our clients don’t achieve their health goals with physio alone.

Physiotherapy Myth number 5:  Physiotherapy is an art not science

FACT:  One of the most common myths around Physiotherapy is that it is an art and Physiotherapists are artists. In reality, Physiotherapists are qualified to assess, diagnose and treat disabilities. Four years of undergraduate studies, learning the human body, human medical science and hours of clinical work before you acquire your Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy is more than just an art. John at Pure Physio also went back and did 4 years post graduate study in a biomechanics lab.

Physiotherapy Myth number 6: Physiotherapy treats only muscle pain

FACT: I hear, even from friends they have seen chiropractors for joint problems because Physios don’t treat joints. A huge amount of scientific literature supports Physiotherapists assessing and treating joint, tendon, ligament and other non-muscular complaints.

Physiotherapy Myth number 7: Healing takes a long time

FACT: Another common myth around it is that it takes forever to heal. Though Physiotherapy aims at a complete cure and not just a  temporary fix, results are usually visible in a few sessions, often even during the first session. Depending on the severity of the problem, the treatment plan can vary and might be longer than others but results are visible from the initial sessions itself.

Physiotherapy Myth number 8: I can do Physiotherapy myself.

FACT:  The patient’s participation is vital to any successful treatment plan, however, each patient needs the expert guidance and care of a licensed physiotherapists.  It is best to view the Physio and the patient as a team trying to achieve health goals