You probably have at least one or two people close to you who have undergone physical therapy or PT, following a body injury, operation, or trauma. You may have even been referred to these movement experts yourself if you’ve struggled with body pain.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapists will grow by as much as 25 percent in 2026 from its current rate. Despite this increase and how common physical therapy is today, there are still a few misconceptions about this treatment procedure.
Below are some of the most common but incorrect notions about physical therapy that our experts in Ritecare Medical Center Hialeah want to debunk:
1. Physical therapists are not doctors.
Physical therapists do not have the same clinical or medical training as medical doctors (MD) but becoming a PT requires extensive mastery of the body and movement. Today, practicing physical therapists may have doctorate degrees or are doctors of physical therapy. This means that, like any other profession, they’ve had extensive studies and training to get to do what they do best — find solutions for a patient’s physical injuries and pain.
Some people may equate physical therapists to massage therapists and chiropractors. However, these professionals do not evaluate and diagnose patients like physical therapists. The latter comes up with a treatment program or modality that is specific to patients’ needs to help restore and strengthen their musculoskeletal function for the long term.
2. Physical therapy in Hialeah is applicable only following major surgery or accident.
It’s true that physical therapy will greatly help patients recover and restore their movements after a surgery or an accident, but this treatment shouldn’t be considered as after-care. You don’t have to be hurt to enlist the services of a licensed physical therapist but PT can be quite helpful in preventive care as well, especially if:
- Your job entails extensive physical movements
- You are an athlete or sports enthusiast
- You’ve been diagnosed with a condition that can affect your musculoskeletal system
You can work with a physical therapist to prevent serious injuries during training for a sport, or to avoid accidents and complications in your job or condition that could have life-long implications.
3. Physical therapy in Hialeah is painful.
Professional and licensed physical therapists understand that each patient’s threshold differs and that the healing period also varies, regardless of how long the pain has been recurring. Physical therapy works to reduce this pain, as well as the discomfort, and our experienced therapists will not push a patient’s limits if it’s not safe and right to proceed.
Before proceeding to the movements or exercises, our physical therapists will carefully evaluate the patient’s injured area first to ensure that there won’t be an aggravation. In this case, “no pain, no gain” is not the mantra.
4. Physical therapy requires a referral from a physician.
Generally, you don’t actually need to get a referral from a doctor if you’d like to get an evaluation from a physical therapist, as direct access is available according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). But there are some provisions in certain state laws that cite the need for a referral. To be sure, look up this chart prepared by APTA with regards to state restrictions for specific PT interventions.
Learn more about Ritecare Medical Center in Hialeah
If you want to avail of the best physical therapy services in the area, Ritecare Medical Center in Hialeah is the place to go.
Our programs combine medical care with rehabilitation services to help re-establish the functional, physical, cognitive and behavioral skills required to live as independently as possible. Physical, occupational, therapies will be provided under the supervision of physicians and nurses.
If you are not sure if physical therapy in Hialeah is appropriate for your health needs, please schedule an appointment so that our trained medical staff can evaluate your condition and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
