5 Common Physiotherapy Myths Debunked

We often hear physiotherapy myths from current and potential patients. We thought it would be helpful to dispel the most common myths we regularly hear so you can make the best decision in choosing a healthcare provider who will help you improve your health.

Physiotherapists are movement experts who help resolve/reduce pain without drugs and surgery, and get people of all ages back to living their best life. The physiotherapy profession is a crucial rehabilitation profession, with over 3,700 physiotherapists registered across Alberta.

Myth #1: A Physician referral/prescription is required to access a physiotherapy assessment.

The public can access physiotherapy directly, meaning that no referral or prescription is needed from a physician to book an appointment. However, some insurance/benefit plans may require a referral to cover the costs of treatment, so it’s worth checking into this before making an appointment unless you’re planning to pay out of pocket.

Myth #2: Physiotherapy is painful.

In all likelihood, you’re interested in coming to physiotherapy because you’re in pain due to an injury or specific condition such as arthritis. It’s possible to feel a little sore during an assessment because a physiotherapist must understand your movement and strength limits. That said, physiotherapy treatments themselves should not hurt.

The priority is to get rid of your pain and get you moving and functioning optimally without pain. This approach will mean that you’ll need to put in some effort to practice moving better and getting stronger, which may push you out of your comfort zone at times.

Myth #3: Physiotherapy is only for long-standing chronic injuries.

The benefits of physiotherapy are extensive. The umbrella covers sports injuries to pre- and post-op rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory conditions, neurological conditions and motor function, women’s health, chronic pain, pediatrics, and more. Physiotherapists even provide injury prevention programs for those who want to live healthier and be stronger and optimize performance.

Whether you’re experiencing an acute injury or a stubborn, chronic condition, a physiotherapist can help you get back to living well.

Myth #4: Extended health benefit plans do not cover physiotherapy treatments.

Many extended health benefit plans provide insurance coverage. This reimbursement structure can vary from full coverage for sessions to a particular coverage amount per visit with varying annual limits. It’s best to check to see how much your plan covers, but most insurance companies will cover a certain amount of physiotherapy.

At Innovation Physical Therapy, we have established direct billing relationships with 14 insurance providers, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket while waiting to get reimbursed.

Myth #5: Physiotherapists just hook you up to machines or provide massage.

Physiotherapists are great first-line practitioners. They will screen you for red flags and inform you if a trip to the ER is warranted. Many also have advanced practice skills, including ordering imaging (such as X-rays and MRIs).

For treatment, they will use a combination of hands-on techniques such as manual therapy and soft tissue release, as well as a targeted therapeutic exercise to help you with whatever injury or illness you are dealing with. Some will use other advanced skills in their treatment, such as manipulating the spine (aka. performing “adjustments”) and needling (i.e., acupuncture, dry needling/IMS, etc.).

Don’t be surprised if your rehab is very active, and don’t be surprised if it targets different areas than those you seem to have the problem with. Everything is connected!

Book an Appointment Today!

If you have any questions or are you looking for a skilled Physiotherapist in the Edmonton area? Please book an appointment with one of Innovation Physical Therapy’s experienced physiotherapists by calling one of our four clinics throughout Edmonton, including Riverbend, Belvedere, Namao, or Silverberry.