Physical therapy is an excellent way for you to remain mobile and reduce or eliminate any daily aches and pains that cause bodily discomfort.
While most people understand the importance of physical therapy, many people who need it, especially those who are homebound, don’t seek therapeutic attention because of the several myths that surround the practice.
We’ve busted 6 of the most common myths about physical therapy and are ready to show you how in-home physical therapy can be an excellent and accessible experience for any homebound individual in need.
1. You Have to Be Injured to Receive Physical Therapy
Many people believe that only the injured or those recovering from surgery are eligible for physical therapy. The reality is that these patients are only a portion of the patients that physical therapists serve.
Physical therapy can be an excellent form of therapy for anyone who experiences chronic pain, imbalance issues, incontinence, muscle/joint discomfort, and more.
Most homebound elderly or ill individuals that aren’t injured or in recovery suffer from ailments that physical therapy can relieve. This is why so many home healthcare patients rely on physical therapy to help ease the pains of everyday life.
2. Physical Therapy is Painful
Although it may sound like moving around healing parts of the body is a painful experience, physical therapists are trained to offer safe, incremental movements that are based on a patient’s personal pain threshold.
Movement and function restoration is gradual, and both in-home and off-site physical therapists are prepared to help each individual with a slow and steady road to recovery.
3. It’s Not as Effective as Surgery or Pain Pills
When people, especially those who are homebound experience injuries like meniscal tears or pain from degenerative diseases think of relief, the first options seem to be surgery or prescribed pain killers.
However, the truth is that physical therapy is the safer and more effective option for pain treatment and overall healing.
4. Physical Therapy is Something You Can Do On Your Own
In the age of YouTube and DIY gusto, it’s common for people to wrongfully believe that successful physical therapy is something they can accomplish on their own.
Physical therapists have years of education and experience that allow them to offer reliable, safe, and effective physical therapy services.
Everyone has a unique physical therapy plan and going off of self-prescribed therapy could bring further damage to the body. So, if your homebound loved one believes they need physical therapy, please seek a true specialist that can implement the safest possible procedure for successful results.
5. Insurance Won’t Cover Physical Therapy
Most insurance policies cover physical therapy, even the in-home option. Before writing off the odds that your loved one’s insurance will help out, contact your insurance representative and iron out all of the wants and needs your homebound loved one has.
From there, their insurance company can paint a clear picture of your insurance options and available in-home physical therapy providers.
6. You Need a Physician Referral to Receive Physical Therapy
In the past, this wasn’t a misconception. However, as of 2019 and the Direct Access Law, all Texans can now seek physical therapy without the need for a physician referral.
Experience the Benefits of Physical Therapy From the Comfort of Your Own Home
If you or a homebound loved one are seeking in-home physical therapy but are unsure of where to start, the experts of Angel Home Healthcare Services are available to help.
We are a team of qualified healthcare professionals that offer several home health care services, including physical therapy. We’re eager to provide you with the reliable, quality health care your family deserves.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule your in-home consultation with one of our healthcare professionals.