5 Myths About PT

When you hear “physical therapy,” what comes to mind?

If it’s a crowded clinic full of post-op patients doing leg lifts and rubber band exercises… we need to talk.

The truth is: Physical therapy has changed. It’s not just for people recovering from surgery — and it’s definitely not just boring exercises. But old-school myths still stop people from getting the care they actually need.

Let’s bust 5 of the most common PT myths — and help you move, feel, and live better.

1. “You need a doctor’s referral to see a PT.”

Reality: In most states, including GA, you can see a physical therapist directly — without a referral for 8 visits or 21 days, whichever comes first.

That means you can skip the wait time, skip the extra co-pays, and get right to the expert in movement and musculoskeletal care.

- Think of your PT as your first stop for pain, tightness, or injury — not your last resort.

2. “PT is just a bunch of boring exercises.”

Reality: A good PT session is nothing like walking into a big-box clinic and doing clamshells for 30 minutes.

Cash-based physical therapy is one-on-one, personalized, and performance-driven. We combine hands-on treatment, movement assessment, strength training, and mobility work that’s actually relevant to your goals.

- If you're an athlete, a runner, or just someone who wants to move pain-free, your plan should feel like training, not punishment.

3. “I should wait until it gets really bad before going to PT.”

Reality: Waiting only makes things worse — and longer to heal. The earlier you address pain or dysfunction, the faster and more cost-effective your recovery will be.

Physical therapy isn’t just for post-injury rehab. It’s also for:

• Injury prevention

• Performance optimization

• Movement efficiency

• Addressing chronic pain patterns

- Don’t wait until your body forces you to rest. Catch it early and stay ahead of the game.

4. “If I’m not in pain, I don’t need PT.”

Reality: Pain is often the last symptom to show up — and the first to go away.

Just because you don’t feel pain doesn’t mean there isn’t an issue brewing under the surface: poor movement patterns, muscle imbalances, limited mobility, or compensation from past injuries.

- PT can help you move better, train harder, and prevent injuries before they start.

5. “My pain will just go away on its own.”

Reality: Sometimes it does… but more often, it doesn’t.

Pain that disappears temporarily can return worse later — especially if the root cause isn’t addressed. You might change how you move without realizing it, and that compensation can lead to new injuries.

- Physical therapy finds the why, not just the what. And that’s what leads to real, lasting change.

The longer that you wait to begin physical therapy, the longer it takes to recover from the injury/condition.

Final Thoughts

Physical therapy isn’t just for the injured — it’s for anyone who wants to live, train, and move at their best.

Whether you’re a runner, lifter, athlete, or active parent — you deserve more than cookie-cutter care. You deserve a plan designed for your body, your goals, and your life.

👋 Ready to ditch the myths and work with a PT who actually gets it?
Let’s chat. Book your free consult here: https://yourmovephysicaltherapy.janeapp.com