May 19, 2024 4 min read

Physical therapists are experts at keeping the body in motion. They help people reduce pain, improve or restore mobility, and stay active throughout the different seasons of life. However, some common misconceptions can discourage or delay people from seeking physical therapy treatment.

According to physical therapist Cliff Wonsettler, the most significant misunderstanding is that patients need a referral from their primary care physician before seeking the help of a physical therapist. A survey by the American Physical Therapy Association revealed that 70% of people think a referral or prescription is required for an evaluation by a physical therapist.

“A lot of people don’t know that you can come and see us directly without ever having to visit your doctor,” Wonsettler, owner of Wonsettler Physical Therapy & Specialized Health in Scenery Hill, said. “It’s important to note that not having a referral doesn’t alter your insurance’s willingness to cover your appointments.”

Wonsettler said even his current patients are surprised to learn they don’t need referrals to see his team.

“We’re always trying to educate our patients so that they know that they don’t need a referral to come and see us,” he said. “The next time they’re experiencing an issue, they can just call us.”

Another misconception Wonsettler hopes to debunk is that patients don’t need to be experiencing pain to see a physical therapist.

“When most people think of physical therapy, they think of a couple of different things. They either think physical therapy happens after a surgery, like a knee replacement or a rotator cuff repair, or they think physical therapy occurs after an accident,” he said. “Maybe it’s a car accident or a stroke and you need to learn how to walk or move properly again. But you don’t have to experience those things or be in pain to see a physical therapist.”

In many cases, physical therapists can evaluate and diagnose problems before they lead to more serious injuries or disabilities. As we age, balance and strength are the two most significant factors prohibiting an individual from remaining independent. Working on one can have a direct impact on the other.

“You might be noticing small things like you can’t go up and down the stairs as well as you could, or you’re having trouble putting socks on or reaching something overhead,” Wonsettler said. “Maybe you’ve noticed that your strength has diminished to some degree or that household tasks are becoming more difficult. Whatever it is, we can help resolve the issue.”

Wonsettler said his team can also help with vertigo, urinary incontinence and chronic pain.

“A properly trained physical therapist can effectively address a chronic pain problem,” he said. “If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain, having the right physical therapist help you is beneficial.”

Wonsettler Physical Therapy & Specialized Health is committed to empowering and educating its patients to help them lead healthier lives.

“We want to equip you with the right knowledge, habits, skills, and exercises that will help you be better and stay better,” Wonsettler said. We don’t want you to rely on us to feel great. We’re going to be actively prescribing things outside of the four walls of our clinic. What happens here is essential, but it pales compared to when you do the work daily in your own home. That’s the difference maker.”

To learn more about Wonsettler Physical Therapy & Specialized Health and how they can help you, call 724-945- 5161 or visit wonsettlerpt.com.

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