Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!
Myth: A referral is required to visit a physical therapist.
Fact: All 50 states allow patients to be evaluated by a physical therapist without a prior referral, and 48 of those states (including Oregon), allow for some treatment and intervention without a referral or prescription.
Myth: My insurance probably won’t cover physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Fact: Most health insurance policies cover physical therapy and rehabilitation! Further, PT has been proven to reduce costs by helping patients avoid unnecessary imaging, surgery, and drugs. Plus, physical therapy and rehabilitation can address an issue before it becomes chronic or dangerous. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, call your insurance! It is always important to understand your deductible, copay or coinsurance, and the procedures set forth in your insurance contract for how to make sure your care is covered by your insurance plan.
Myth: Physical therapy and rehabilitation is only for injuries and accidents.
Fact: Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists not only help people with injuries that have already happened, but are very skilled at helping patients prevent future problems, as well. For instance, if you have headaches or lower back pain, it may benefit you to see a physical therapist before you have chronic pain or a serious injury. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can improve your strength, flexibility, and patterns of behavior to prevent injuries or manage existing ones. Many athletes utilize physical therapy and rehabilitation for improvements in how they run, lift, or perform activities so they not only improve their performance now, but also decrease their likelihood of injuries throughout their athletic career.
Absolute Wellness Center offers chiropractic medicine, sports medicine, naturopathic medicine, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and massage in Eugene, OR. To learn more, give us a call at 541-484-5777.
Original source available on MoveForwardPT.com by the American Physical Therapy Association