Physiotherapy: Reality vs. Myth

Physiotherapists are known as experts in function and movement of the human body. These professionals are educated at a bachelor's degree or higher (many new and some are educated at the doctorate level) and work closely with all other health care providers as part of the health care team.

A physiotherapist has a different skill set than that of a Medical Doctor and prescribes treatments that are related to musculoskeletal and movement disorders. Whereas a medical doctor or physician would be concerned with the overall health of an individual.

Keeping the above in mind, here we go:

Myth 1: A physician has to send someone to a physiotherapist.

Myth 2: Personal trainers that use the PT initials behind his/her name are also physiotherapists.


Myth 3: Athletic trainers and chiropractors are the same as physiotherapists.

Many people try to confuse the public to say that modalities such as electric stimulation, ultrasound, massage, and the application of hot packs and cold packs are physiotherapy modalities and therefore they practice physiotherapy.

Myth 4: Chiropractors are the only healthcare providers who manipulate/adjust the spine.

Physiotherapists are also able to manipulate the spine.

Also despite many claims that spinal manipulation is safe, there are always risks associated with treating the spine. Technique and the practitioner performing the technique will have a big effect on the outcome. Be sure that the person who performs any treatment to that area knows what they are doing.

Myth 5: Physiotherapists only work in hospitals.

Licensed physical therapists work in many different settings including but not limited to the following: fitness centers, home health, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and with sports teams (amateur to professional).

Myth 6: All physiotherapy is the same.

Because of the large breadth of knowledge that physiotherapists can posess, like any other profession, there will be differences in treatments provided, communication styles, and with outcomes. Many people will go from one accountant to another if they are dissatisfied, but still refuse to go see another physiotherapist instead chalking it up to the thought of "physiotherapy just doesn't work."

Myth 7: Physiotherapy is for everyone.

If this were true, every professional in the healthcare industry would be a physiotherapist and we would no longer need any other providers. Physiotherapists can help many people with many conditions or needs, however there are many other conditions that are completely out of the scope of practice for anyone other than a medical physician.


Myth 8: All healthcare providers are Saints and would never attempt to commit fraud.

The potential for fraud is there in any business and there are unfortunately physiotherapists in all settings that attempt to commit fraud to reap the benefits. This goes back to the concept of transparency. Ask for a copy of the itemized charge sheet after each visit. Compare this to the explanation of payments and make sure they match up. Do not be afraid to speak up if they do not!

Ref:http://www.squidoo.com/aboutphysicaltherapy