Common Physiotherapy Myths Debunked
We often hear of physiotherapy myths from current and potential patients. We thought it would be helpful to dispel the most common myths that we hear on a regular basis 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 from all ages back to living their best life. The physiotherapy profession is a key rehabilitation profession with over 3,700 physiotherapists registered across Alberta.
Myth #1: A Physician referral/prescription is required to access a physiotherapy assessment.
Physiotherapy can be accessed by the public 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 in order to cover the costs of treatment, so it’s worth checking into this prior to 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 as a result of an injury or specific condition such as arthritis. It’s possible to feel a little sore during an assessment because a physiotherapist will need to understand the limits of your movement and strength. That being said, physiotherapy treatments itself should not hurt.
The priority is not only to get rid of your pain but also to get you moving and functioning optimally without pain. This 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.
