Understanding Physical Therapy
Why Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy can look different for people across the stages of life, from infancy through older adulthood. We always have the overall goal of improving mobility and learning or regaining independence, all while working to prevent further decline or added complexity to various conditions. So maybe it’s time to consider placing a physical therapist on your medical team to support your health and wellness this year?
Many people are referred for an evaluation by a physician who orders it. This could be a primary care physician, neurologist, orthopedist, urologist, gynecologist, or oncologist, to name a few. You may be surprised to see the variety listed, but a therapist treats a wide range of diagnoses and holds many specialties within our own community.
Common causes for a PT referral:
pain
weakness
limited range of motion
frequent falling
preventing decline related to a chronic or progressive condition (such as Parkinson’s disease)
pelvic floor dysfunction (often related to incontinence or sexual dysfunction)
lymphedema management
Of course, these impairments could be for a multitude of reasons, such as a recent surgery, accident, or medical event like a stroke, or maybe one day you woke up with back pain that led to numbness and weakness over time.
What makes a PT unique?
Physical therapists are a specialized group who have an advanced degree in healthcare. Most practicing PTs have a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, as this became a requirement from the Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in 2016. In the year 2000, the American Physical Therapy Association set a goal called Vision 2020, in which all PTs would earn a doctorate, and the bachelor’s degree would eventually be phased out.
All in all, most therapists have seven total years of undergraduate and graduate education. This does not include the additional time and training for specialties, which are reflected in those extra letters you may see next to the name on your PT’s business card.
One benefit of this advanced degree is that all states allow individuals to access outpatient physical therapy services without a physician’s order. This means you can wake up with a problem one day and think of us to help guide you toward a diagnosis and treatment plan. This should never negate seeing your primary doctor for proper medical care—especially in the event of an emergency.
Physical therapists are trained to use evidence-based practice, so you can feel secure and confident that treatment is supported by current research. After a state-regulated period, if therapy is warranted to continue, the patient’s physician must be notified. These rules do vary by state, so the best way to know your options is to contact a local clinic and ask if they accept patients without a physician’s order.
Common MYths
“But I don’t have any pain,” they say to me. You do not have to be experiencing pain to need physical therapy. Noticing a change in your condition is enough reason to see us. It could be as simple as not being able to get into the car as easily, or having trouble getting out of bed efficiently to get to the bathroom at 2 am. We love providing education that is functional and mirrors ideas discussed in some of our previous articles.
Another myth we often hear is, “I didn’t do anything to hurt myself, so I’m sure it’s nothing.” A significant event does not need to occur for a therapist to intervene. An extended period of slow decline, a brief bout of illness, or an underlying undiagnosed condition could all be the cause of changes being experienced by you or a loved one.
Some clients feel they have no reason to see a physical therapist because they were told surgery is their only option. This one is especially difficult to hear. Between modifications, strengthening surrounding areas, and proper education, there is often room for improvement in quality of life—even for individuals with more significant impairments that may eventually require surgery. While we can never guarantee full healing, we can often offer meaningful progress with far less invasiveness than a surgical intervention.
The last myth that truly hurts my therapeutic soul is when I hear, “It’s a waste of time—I could do it all on my own.” Physical therapists are a highly specialized, educated group of doctors. Our thinking does not stop at swelling, tenderness, or a weak muscle—we consider your organs, past medical history, and conditions that may be emerging. We frequently refer clients to other specialists to ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate follow-up care. This is not something a personal trainer or well-meaning friend can do. While they may be excellent at what they do, they are not trained to the same degree as a physical therapist.
So why does this matter?
These myths delay care, and delayed care often means unnecessary loss of independence, confidence, and quality of life. Most people are somewhat familiar with the world of physical therapy. While many consider their health important, it is easy to brush off symptoms as “everyday aches and pains.” It is important to note that there are many reasons to revisit a physical therapist throughout the span of one’s life.
If you are managing a chronic condition, feeling less steady while walking or completing daily activities, or considering a new exercise program you may be unsure about, then a physical therapist is the perfect person to consult. As mentioned earlier, the therapy community is filled with specialized therapists who have gained additional training in things like manual, neurological, orthopedic or geriatric specializations. If you are looking for specific outcomes, it would be beneficial to do a quick search in your location to find the right fit for you.
To summarize, the core values of physical therapy are rooted in integrity, compassion, evidence-based care, and empowering people to move confidently and live independently. Physical therapists are trained to assess the body as a whole and make specific recommendations based on an individual’s presentation. Behind every therapist are years of education, clinical experience, and patient-centered care.
In my case, it is deeply fulfilling to witness improvements in quality of life, extended independence, and preserved dignity for the aging population. Providing individualized care is meaningful to me and a true privilege, as we continue to find purpose and connection in our daily lives. If you are caring for a loved one or experiencing changes yourself, a conversation can be a helpful place to start when considering next steps toward positive change.
Written by Kayla Fluder, PT, DPT, CAPS