06/04/2025
Clearing Misconceptions: Why People Don’t Approach Physical Therapists Directly for Back Pain
As a physical therapist, I’ve seen way too many people struggle with back pain for far too long before finally walking through my door. It’s not uncommon for folks to try every other treatment option under the sun before considering physical therapy.
But why is that?
From my experience, it often comes down to a few key misconceptions.
↳ Some people think physical therapy is only for athletes or those recovering from surgery.
↳Others believe they need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist.
↳And then there are those who simply don’t know what physical therapists can do to help with back pain.
But here’s the thing: physical therapists are movement experts. We’re trained to help people of all ages and abilities move better, feel better, and live better. And when it comes to back pain, we can be a game-changer 🌄.
♻️ So, what can we do to break down these barriers?
↳For starters, we need to get the word out about what physical therapists can do.
↳We need to educate patients and healthcare professionals alike about the benefits of physical therapy for back pain.
↳We need to make it clear that you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist – in many cases, you can come straight to us.
↳We also need to work more closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
↳And we need to advocate for policy changes that support our role as primary care providers for musculoskeletal conditions like back pain.
By working together, we can make it easier for people to get the care they need. And that’s what it’s all about – helping people live their best lives, free from the burden of back pain ❤️.
What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. M Hamza Physiotherapist
