Debunking Physical Therapy Myths

Three Myths About Physical Therapy

People’s expectations about going through physical therapy is often very different from the realities of treatment. Part of why there is such a big gap is that people tend to have preconceived notions that are based on misinformation or false assumptions. Here are three of the most prevalent myths about physical therapy. Our Baltimore, MD physical therapy treatment may be right for you.

• Only Major Injuries Require Physical Therapy

Individuals who have enjoyed fairly good orthopedic health for most of their lives and don’t have any previous experience with physical therapy may be forming expectations based on what they’ve seen on TV shows or movies. Naturally, a character who is getting physical therapy is probably the victim of a dramatic accident or coping with a serious disability. However, the utility of this basic treatment extends far beyond catastrophic injuries.

In real life, physical therapy can address a great number of conditions with varying severity. Most well-established practices such as Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab and Chiropractic treat patients for an extensive range of injuries.

• The Goal of Treatment Is to Recover From Surgery

Another common misconception which may have its roots in fictional portrayals of treatment is that the purpose of working with a therapist is to rehabilitate an injury that required surgical correction. In many instances, however, people undergo therapy in the hopes of avoiding therapy.

Many patients who are attending physical therapy in Baltimore, MD at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic have not had any type of surgery. Instead, they are seeking treatment to relieve pain and improve mobility with the hopes of avoiding surgery.

• Physical Therapy Is Really Painful

When you envision what a physical therapy session would be like, you may conjure up images of patients grimacing and groaning as they strain to perform gruelingly painful exercises. In reality, not all therapy is hard and painful work. 

Patients who receive physical therapy in Baltimore, MD at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic may undergo numerous types of treatment in a single session which do not involve performing any exercise at all. Massage, electrical stimulation, and heat therapy are examples of treatment that does not cause any type of discomfort. 

Some of the exercises that you perform with a physical therapist may be challenging and even cause a little soreness or inflammation, but they’re not supposed to feel agonizing. Your physical therapist will monitor how you’re doing during sessions. Therapists may encourage patients to push themselves, but they also emphasize the importance of recognizing limits and taking care to avoid aggravating an injury.

Contact Our Baltimore Physical Therapy Specialist Today

Whatever your need is for physical therapy, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic. Our Baltimore physical therapy may be just what you need to improve your quality of life. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic is ready to help you on the road to recovery. Let us put together a treatment plan that gets you moving and puts hope back into your life. Contact us today to set up a consultation for physical therapy Baltimore, MD families recommend.