10 physio myths debunked

New clients often book in for a physio appointment after putting up with pain for far longer than they needed to. Why? Many hope that the pain will go away on its own, while others arrive with a series of common myths about physio. If myths are causing people to endure pain for longer then it’s high time that we get those myths debunked!

MYTH 1: Physio is only for when I’m in pain.

Wrong. At Bodyset, we believe that physiotherapy is so much more than pain relief and injury recovery. It’s about enhancing people’s performance and everyday lives too. That’s why our incredible team of experts are united by a shared passion – to help people get the best out of their bodies so they can do more of what they love.

MYTH 2: Physiotherapists will tell me to stop doing the things I love.

Preventing you from taking part in your favourite activities is one of the last things we want to do . In fact, quite the opposite! If we can heal your injury while you keep doing your favourite activity, we will. If our assessments find it necessary to advise you to take a rest from your activities, we’ll make it as short as possible – it’s not forever! We’ll also work with you to come up with alternative activities to keep you active and entertained in the meantime. It’s important to remember, we always have your best interest at heart. A short break in your activities could lead to years of pain free fun.

MYTH 3: I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist.

Not true. You don’t need to be referred by a doctor to see a physiotherapist. You can see any of our physiotherapists without a referral if you plan to pay for your appointment yourself. If you are experiencing pain then please avoid unnecessary waiting by booking in for an assessment at your nearest physiotherapy clinic.

MTYH 4: I need an ultrasound/MRI/X-ray before I can see a physiotherapist.

Scans don’t pick up on stiff joints or muscle imbalances which are the most common cause of injuries. Physiotherapists are extremely thorough when assessing patients. During your first appointment we will detail your medical history, talk to you about your current lifestyle, perform specific assessments based on your symptoms and provide hands-on treatment to help alleviate any immediate pain that you’re in. If we believe that further scans and imaging are required for your diagnosis and/or recovery, we’ll refer you for further medical evaluation and continue to work with you in the meantime.

MYTH 5: Physio isn’t covered by private health insurance.

Wrong. Many private health insurers do indeed cover physiotherapy. Some providers require you to attend a GP appointment first in order to get an authorisation code for your claim. So, it’s worth double checking your policy guidelines. Alternatively, speak with your employer to find out if they offer any free or discounted physiotherapy sessions via schemes like our Corporate Partner Benefits Package.

MYTH 6: Physiotherapists just give you exercises to do at home.

We’ll never send you off with a list of exercises that you’ll forget by the time you get home. Instead, we work use our own Bodyset app– an at-home exercise prescription platform. The easy-to-use app means you’re never alone – it walks you through your physio exercises with video demonstrations and enables you to journal your exercises and flag any difficulty or pain you might experience during the programme. Once flagged, the app alerts your Bodyset physiotherapist, who will adjust your exercise programme remotely.

Working with the Bodyset app means that we’re with you throughout your entire recovery journey – not just at the check-in appointments. Plus, it visualises your progression, which is so rewarding to see after truly committing to your recovery!

MYTH 7: Sports massages are only for athletes.

Sports massage uses specialised techniques to reduce muscle tightness. It helps to improve your circulation and range of movement, as well as treating and preventing muscle and joint pain. A sports massage is determined by the level of pressure that a therapist can use.  It is this pressure that is required to release tightness in the body. A sports massage is suitable for people who take part in sports as well as those who are sat at a desk all day. Just as a runner might struggle with tight calf muscles, an office-based client may struggle with a stiff neck or tight shoulders.

MYTH 8: I will have to go to physio appointments forever.

Every recovery journey is different, but through years of experience, and having gathered data from more than 30,000 successfully treated clients, we know that the average recovery requires approximately 7 visits. If we don’t think you need 7 appointments, then we will always advise so. Our aim is to help you get the best out of your body in the most efficient and effective way possible.

MYTH 9: Physio is only for people who play sports.

Many people think they can’t come to see us because they’re not sporty, and often worry about ‘wasting our time’ with something that doesn’t feel or look serious.  We treat many people with sporting injuries or conditions, but we also see a large number of clients with back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches and many other symptoms that are completely unrelated to sport. Physiotherapy is for everyone!

MYTH 10: Chiropractors are more effective than physiotherapists.

Choosing between a chiropractor or a physiotherapist is determined by your condition. Chiropractors use their hands to adjust the joints of your spine and limbs where signs of restricted movement are found. Gentle, specific manipulation techniques help to restore normal body movement. Physiotherapists use a range of manipulation, massage techniques, and exercise to heal your body or help you to improve performance in sports, hobbies and everyday life.

Usually, a short and unbiased chat over the phone will help you determine whether you are best to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor, so if you’re unsure, please get in touch on 033 0333 0435.

We understand that booking a physiotherapy consultation can feel like a big  step. You might not yet feel confident that treatment will help you and you might even believe one or two of the myths above. That’s why we’re here to offer advice before you book. If you have any more questions about physiotherapy or would like to book an appointment, get in touch.