Did you know that over 20% of American adults live with chronic pain? Even worse, 8% live with high-impact chronic pain.
If you’re one of these people, you might find it challenging to lead an everyday life. You might’ve even given up some hobbies, such as visiting the beautiful butterfly museum, the springs, and other outdoor activities that Gainesville has to offer.
But you don’t have to live with pain, even if you’ve been in a severe accident. If you work with a physical therapist, they can help you get back up and running again.
Are you wondering what a physical therapist does? Then you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll discuss the role of a PT and tackle some common misconceptions about physical therapy and more.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A physical therapist is a medical professional who helps you heal from any pain you might have. As we go through life, it’s almost impossible to avoid things like injury and diseases, which means that most of us could benefit from seeing a physical therapist!
A physical therapist gets a formal education in this field, and hands-on training to better help you. As a result, this means they can help pinpoint issues you have and create a personalized plan for recovery.
Everyday Situations That PT Is Used For
As we’ve mentioned earlier, physical therapy is often used for chronic pain. This can be from a prior injury or a disease that might have hindered you in life.
Some of the diseases and conditions that physical therapy can help include arthritis, balance or walking issues, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, plantar fasciitis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and tennis elbow.
Not only can you use physical therapy for chronic pain, but you can also use it to strengthen the weaker areas of your body and gain more flexibility. The combined results from PT mean you’ll have better usage of your body, even as you age.
Because there’s such a wide range of benefits that come from PT, it should come as no surprise that you’ll find physical therapists in several settings. Not only do they have their practices, but they also work in hospitals, nursing homes, sports and fitness centers, research centers, and more.
Unknown Situations That PT Can Solve
Yes, PT is commonly used for things like managing chronic pain and strengthening your body. But there are some additional benefits you can get from physical therapy that many people don’t know about!
One way PT is used is for women’s health. As they get older, many women find that they get urinary incontinence, especially if they’ve had children. Physical therapy can help them retrain their pelvic floor muscles to combat dysfunction.
Another unknown situation that PT can help with is if you want to avoid taking medications and going through surgery. While they’re compelling, many prescription medications have adverse side effects that can impact your quality of life. Physical therapy can alleviate pain on a long-term basis and keep you from needing strong medicine.
And lastly, did you know that PT can help you fight aging? Not only does it help strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility, but it can also improve your balance.
Common Misconception About Physical Therapy
With so many physical therapy benefits, many people don’t realize the misconceptions surrounding physical therapy. Keep reading to see what some of them are.
Only Professional Athletes Need PT
It’s silly to think that only professional athletes need PT! The fact is, if you’re wondering if you need to see a physical therapist, you’re a great candidate already.
People from all walks of life can benefit from physical therapy. So whether you’re young, old, fit, or overweight, you can accelerate recovery from ailments and injuries with PT.
You need to Be Injured to Go Through Physical Therapy
Yes, PT is a reactive approach to injuries and illnesses. But it can also be a preventative treatment too!
Physical therapists can evaluate you and detect potential problems. Then, they can work on them with you before they become more serious.
PT Is Painful
Physical therapy should never be painful! While some exercises might be uncomfortable, they should ease the pain if you’re doing them correctly, not cause it.
You Can Do PT on Your Own
If you go on YouTube and search for physical therapy exercises, you’ll be able to generate a bunch of results. But the truth is, without a professional’s guidance, you might be doing more harm than good.
A physical therapist can pinpoint your problem areas, recommend the right exercises, and teach them to you. So you’ll still have exercises you can do at home.
Speak to a Physical Therapist Today
Now that you know more about what a physical therapist does, you might’ve realized that this person is exactly who you need in your life. By picking up some physical therapy exercises under the guidance of a medical professional, you’ll be able to strengthen your body and decrease any chronic pain you might have.
So get on track to a better and healthier you. Let a physical therapist help you turn your life around so you can get fit!
Do you need physical therapy in Gainesville? Then speak to us today. We’ll help you get happier and healthier!
FAQ
What are the most common misconceptions about the role of a physical therapist?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that physical therapy sessions are short interactions with a licensed therapist, followed by being passed off to a tech or student. At GWP, that’s not the case—you receive one-on-one care from a licensed physical therapist for the entire duration of your session.
Another common misunderstanding is that physical therapists simply act as personal trainers, guiding patients through basic exercises after an injury. In reality, our role goes far beyond that. We develop customized treatment plans tailored to each individual—no cookie-cutter programs—focusing on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall function.
Additionally, many people aren’t aware that physical therapy isn’t just reactive—it can also be preventative. With a referral, patients can access physical therapy services to prevent injuries before they occur. And finally, manual therapy is often overlooked or misunderstood. It’s a vital part of rehabilitation, helping to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function through hands-on techniques.
How has the field of physical therapy evolved in recent years?
The field of physical therapy has seen significant advancements in recent years, driven largely by research and innovation. At GWP, we stay at the forefront of these changes by integrating the latest evidence-based practices into every aspect of care—from your initial assessment to your final session. This ensures that each treatment plan is grounded in the most current scientific findings, providing you with the most effective path to recovery.
We’ve also seen a growing emphasis on specialized manual therapy techniques, which play a key role in enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and restoring function. In addition, advancements in research have refined the way we approach therapeutic exercise. We now have a clearer understanding of how to activate the right muscles more efficiently, allowing us to tailor exercises that are both specific and effective for each individual’s needs.
Can you describe a typical day in the life of a GWP physical therapist/physical therapist assistant?
A typical day at GWP involves seeing 6 to 9 patients, with each session offering dedicated one-on-one care lasting a full hour. This intentional structure allows us to provide focused, personalized treatment without rushing or handing patients off to support staff.
For new patients, our day begins with a comprehensive evaluation designed to understand their unique history, challenges, and goals. From there, our physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) collaborate to create a customized plan of care that addresses the patient’s specific needs.
Throughout the day, treatments we provide may include a combination of manual therapy to improve mobility, neuromuscular facilitation to enhance coordination, and therapeutic exercises to build strength and stability. Because we spend the full session with each patient, we can make real-time adjustments and ensure we’re progressing toward meaningful outcomes.
Teamwork is central to our culture—we meet regularly throughout the week to review cases, share insights, and ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care. Many of us also prioritize our own wellness with morning workouts, setting the tone for a day focused on health, movement, and helping others thrive.