👎 MYTH: A physical therapist isn’t much different than a personal trainer.
👍 FACT: A personal trainer – although skilled in coaching people toward reaching their physical fitness goals safely through the development and supervision of individualized training programs – lacks the in-depth specialized advanced degree study required of a physical therapist, who can diagnose problems and develop treatment plans.
👎 MYTH: A physical therapist only needs to study for two years to become certified.
👍 FACT: Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. To be considered for admittance to a three-year physical therapy program, students must have a bachelor’s degree with courses of study in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology and physics. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) must have an associate’s degree from an accredited program.
👎 MYTH: Patients must be referred for physical therapy by a physician.
👍 FACT: In the State of Florida, patients can seek treatment from a physical therapist without getting a prescription from a physician – skipping the time and expense of an office visit, x-ray, MRI, blood test, etc. Physical Therapists are fully qualified to make diagnoses and often work closely with patients’ other medical providers to determine a treatment plan.
👎 MYTH: Physical therapy is only for patients who need help recovering from surgery.
👍 FACT: Physical therapy is helpful not only for patients who are recovering from surgery, illness or injury – it can help improve balance and coordination, treat urinary and bowel incontinence, and prepare youth – and older folks – for the demands of sporting endeavors to reduce the risk of injuries.
