02/17/2026
7 Myths About Physical Therapy
1. Referrals are required to see a physical therapist: Nevada is a “direct access” state which means a physician’s referral is not required to attend PT. However, a referral may be required by your insurance company. Call the Premier PT team and we will check your benefits.
2. Physical therapy is painful: Physical therapists seek to minimize your pain and discomfort—including chronic or long-term pain.
3. Physical therapy is only for injuries and accidents: Physical therapists are skilled at evaluating and diagnosing potential problems before they lead to more serious injuries or disabling conditions—from chronic headaches to carpal tunnel syndrome to back pain.
4. Any health care professional can perform physical therapy: Physical therapy can only be performed by a licensed physical therapist, which may also pursue board certification in specific areas such as neurology, orthopedics, sports, or women’s health issues.
5. Physical therapy isn't covered by insurance: Most insurance policies cover some form of physical therapy. Physical therapy has proven to reduce costs by helping people avoid unnecessary imaging scans, surgery, or prescription drugs.
6. Surgery is my only option: In many cases, physical therapy has been shown to be as effective as surgery in treating a wide range of conditions—from rotator cuff tears and degenerative disk disease, to meniscal tears and some forms of knee osteoarthritis.
7. I can do physical therapy myself: Your participation is key to a successful treatment plan, but every patient still needs the expert care and guidance of a licensed physical therapist.
Source: https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/7-myths-physical-therapy
