Don’t let outdated beliefs keep you in pain or delay your recovery. Let’s bust some myths and talk about what physical therapy really offers today.
Many still think that physical therapy means doing a couple of stretches and exercises. If you do too, well, you’re not alone. A lot of people carry around old assumptions about what PT is and what it’s for. The problem is, those assumptions often lead to delayed treatment, more medications than you really need, or even avoidable surgeries.
If you’ve been holding off on seeing a physical therapist because of something someone told you – or something you assumed yourself – it’s time to set the record straight. Here are five of the most common myths I hear in our clinic, and the truth that might just change the way you think about healing.
Myth 1: “Physical therapy is only for injuries or after surgery.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. Yes, PT is great for post-surgical recovery or healing from an injury, but that’s just a piece of the picture.
Modern physical therapy helps people with balance issues, chronic fatigue, arthritis, stroke recovery, and even long COVID. For example, a 2024 review highlighted how physical therapists played a crucial role in helping patients recover their lung function and mobility after COVID-19 (Hui, 2024). Another study tracked patients post-stroke and found that consistent, targeted therapy significantly improved their independence and function (Paniagua-Monrobel et al., 2023).
PT is about moving forward, even when you haven’t had a specific injury.
Myth 2: “It’s just exercise you could do at home.”
Sure, we use movement—but it’s not the same thing as Googling a few stretches or pulling up a random YouTube routine. Physical therapy is built on clinical reasoning, biomechanical assessments, and a treatment plan designed specifically for you.
Sometimes that plan includes digital tools like interactive rehab games, sensors, or virtual guidance. A 2023 study pointed out that exergaming, when guided by a trained therapist, can be a powerful way to improve outcomes in a fun, motivating environment (Altowairqi et al., 2023). It’s not just about moving. It’s about moving with purpose.
Myth 3: “It doesn’t help invisible conditions like fibromyalgia or depression.”
Actually, it does. Physical therapy has evolved to include both physical and psychologically-informed techniques. We now understand that pain isn’t just physical – it’s also deeply connected to stress, trauma, and how your brain processes movement.
Recent research confirms that physiotherapy techniques like myofascial release, movement retraining, and aerobic exercise are highly effective for fibromyalgia (Antunes & Marques, 2023). Other studies have shown that physical therapists are increasingly being integrated into mental health care teams, helping patients manage anxiety, depression, and trauma through movement-based interventions (Bravo et al., 2023).
You don’t have to “look sick” to benefit from physical therapy. If your body or mind is keeping you from living fully, we can help.
Myth 4: “Public therapy is just as good. Private is only faster.”
This one comes up a lot. And while there are excellent professionals in both systems, there are some key differences you should know about.
A 2023 comparison study found that patients in private clinics had greater access to hands-on treatments like manual therapy and more individualized attention from their therapists (Dąbek et al., 2023). In public systems, especially ones under strain, sessions are often shorter, less frequent, and more standardized.
The choice depends on your needs, but if you’re looking for more flexibility, variety in treatment methods, or deeper patient-therapist collaboration, private care often makes a difference.
Myth 5: “It’s outdated. We have better options now.”
Actually, physical therapy has never been more cutting-edge. It now includes telehealth, AI-powered tools, community-based programs, and cognitive strategies for long-term behavior change. It’s not just reactive—it’s proactive and personalized.
For instance, a recent study from Turkey showed that digital PT platforms were successfully treating musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions, with patients reporting improved function and satisfaction (Aydin et al., 2023). The future of care is already here, and physical therapists are helping lead that evolution.
Bonus Myth: “If it didn’t work for me once, it probably won’t ever work.”
That’s like saying all food is bad because you had one bad meal. The truth is, outcomes vary based on the therapist’s approach, how the treatment is customized to you, and whether your body is ready to respond.
If you’ve tried PT before and it didn’t help, don’t give up. Ask different questions. Find a therapist with a different specialty. Explore other tools. Recovery isn’t always linear, and the right plan might be just around the corner.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let myths keep you from a healthier, more active life. Physical therapy today is evidence-based, multi-dimensional, and designed to work with you – not just on you!
If it’s been a while since you gave PT a real shot, maybe now’s the time to try again – with better information, and a better chance to feel like yourself again.
References
Altowairqi, Y., Al-Anazi, N., AlThagafi, A., Altowairqi, W., Alzahrani, A., Alkhaldi, A., Radwan, M., Al-Qhtani, M., Al-Jassas, T., Alsufyani, F., Alqethami, A., & Alsufyani, T. (2023). Integrating physiotherapy in exergaming models: Efficacy, benefits, and possible outcome. Journal of Survey in Fisheries Science, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.53555/sfs.v10i5.2307
Antunes, M., & Marques, P. (2023). AB1384: Benefits of physiotherapy resources in fibromyalgia. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2023-eular.1620
Aydin, S., Tonga, E., & Torlakcik, C. (2023). POS0073-HPR: Applicability of the digital physiotherapy interventions for rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions in Turkey: A mixed-method study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2023-eular.6112
Bravo, C., Solé, S., Barba, M., Catalán-Matamoros, D., Carballo-Costa, L., Minano-Garrido, E., & Rubí-Carnacea, F. (2023). Beliefs and self-perceptions of Spanish mental health professionals about physical therapy in mental health: An observational survey study. Healthcare, 11(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11243136
Dąbek, J., Hebenstreit, B., Kabalak, O., Szynal, M., Janowska, M., & Kulik, H. (2023). Within the National Health Fund (NFZ) or privately? Advantages and disadvantages of the physiotherapy services system. Fizjoterapia Polska. https://doi.org/10.56984/8zg20bd9s
Hui, Z. (2024). Perspectives and insights on physical therapy’s function in COVID-19 rehabilitation. Theoretical and Natural Science, 49. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-8818/49/20241259
Paniagua-Monrobel, M., Pinero-Pinto, E., Lucena-Anton, D., Magni, E., Galán-Mercant, A., Luque-Moreno, C., & Escobio-Prieto, I. (2023). Descriptive analysis of post-stroke patients in a neurological physical therapy unit. Frontiers in Neurology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2023.1056415
