10 Reasons Why People Don't Go to Physical Therapy

Never fear, physical therapy at Complete Game is nothing to dread!

As you can imagine, we have heard a lot of excuses as to why people don’t go to physical therapy. We decided to compile the top 10 excuses, and break down exactly why they’re false.

1. “I don’t have the time.”

• It's a misconception that physical therapy consists of 2-3 visits to the therapist a week for hours each visit for months on end. Many also may think that they will be given exercise routines that will take hours a day. Neither is true. We use an individualized one-on-one approach to patient care that has shown to get patients better faster with fewer PT visits needed. We also will tailor a home exercise program to each individual’s needs, making them manageable and convenient for patients. 

2. “I’ll just wait for pain to go away.”

• Many people take the approach that if they ignore it the problem will go away. This unfortunately, usually never works. Not only do problems that subside often return, but people who compensate for existing problems often have secondary issues that arise. 

3. “It’s too expensive.” 

• People often think they don’t have or want to spend the money on physical therapy. PT is a much cheaper alternative to expensive surgeries, medications, braces or supports, and return trips to the chiropractor or massage therapist. 

4. “Surgery or medication are my only options.” 

• PT has shown to reduce or eliminate the need for surgeries, medications or injections, and of these 3 options, PT is the only one that is non-invasive and has no side effects.  

5. “Physical therapy is painful.” 

• PT is sometimes referred to as “Pain and Torture.” This is a misnomer. The goal of PT is to return people to their proper movement patterns, and this can only be done by reducing or eliminating pain. 

6. “I’ll just take care of the problem myself (or use stretches I found on the internet.)”

• The internet can be a great thing, or a very dangerous thing.  There is a lot of bad or misleading information out there. And even the good info can be bad if used for the wrong condition. You should be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist prior to starting exercise or stretching for any injury or problem. 

7. “I need to go to my doctor to get a prescription for PT.” 

• This one depends a little on state regulations and an individuals’ insurance if they choose to use it. However, Massachusetts is a direct access state, so patients can come see a physical therapist without first seeing their doctor. 

8. “PT is only for after surgery or accidents.”

• PT is not only used after surgery or accidents. It is also for any movement dysfunction.  Overuse or chronic type injuries are greatly helped with PT, and PT is often a great way to prevent future injury. 

9. “I’ll just go to my chiropractor to get adjusted.”

• If you keep going out of alignment isn’t there a reason why? Physical therapists are experts in the evaluation and treatment of movement dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. They will help you get to the cause of your pain and help fix the problem. 

10. “PT is just a bunch of exercise.”

• Physical therapists actually use manual techniques and modalities along with exercise to help people maximize their function. 

Now that we have debunked the common excuses for not seeing a physical therapist, what are you waiting for? Complete Game Physical Therapy is only a phone call away. Schedule an appointment today – call 978-710-7204!