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As a physical therapist for over 20 years, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “I’ve tried PT but it didn’t work for me.” When I ask what they did, the typical response was something like, “I went for a few visits and they had me do exercises that I could just do at home.” Sometimes they would exclaim, “The PT was nice but she was on her phone (or computer) most of the time!” They would often say, “The PT I saw on the first visit could help me, but then I got put with other PTs who didn’t seem to know what that first PT had figured out.” The all-time best reply I got was, “The PT would stretch me for a few minutes and then have me do exercises in the corner with the kid who does the laundry!”
These comments make me cringe. That’s because I know how much time and money those physical therapists invested into their careers to become Doctors of Physical Therapy. I know how much they studied to graduate at the top of their class in high school and college. I know how brutally competitive it was for them to get accepted into PT school. I know how much went into learning about the human body and ways to heal it. I know how many hours they had to volunteer and work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other settings to learn from other physical therapists in the field.
However, after all that, they end up working in a place where they must treat 2, 3 or even 4 patients every hour, not to mention the endless hours of chart documentation. I doubt any of them became physical therapists to make these "mill" companies so much money. They did it to help people. My point is, they are not bad physical therapists. They are just stuck in a business model where quantity of care is more important than quality.
So here’s a staggering statistic that should make you think twice about where you go for physical therapy. In a conventional high-volume setting, only 6% to 25% of all patients actually complete a full course of care. That means up to 94% of all patients drop out of physical therapy. (Source: The State of Rehab Therapy by WebPT)
Here are 9 common reasons why physical therapy doesn’t work:
• The PT juggles multiple patients at the same time
• The PT treats you like a number
• The PT provides cookie-cutter treatments
• The PT focuses on one body part, as opposed to your body as whole
• The PT applies outdated methods (do you really need to be on a stationary bike?)
• The PT has little experience with your specific health condition
• The PT looks at their phone (or computer) more than at you
• The PT passes you off to an assistant, technician or aide
• The PT simply isn't invested in your health
When I started Activcore in 2004, I knew there must be a better way to help people. So I ventured outside of the insurance networks to deliver an experience unlike any other. Here are 9 features of our award winning model:
One-on-one. We stay by your side throughout every session for the fastest results possible.
Tailored. We do not subscribe to a one-size-fits-all philosophy. Each treatment is customized to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals.
Holistic. We treat you from head to toe. Oftentimes the root of the problem is far away from where you actually feel pain.
Targeted. We find and fix the underlying problem, instead of endlessly chasing the symptoms.
Consistent. We never bounce you around from PT to PT. Rather we match you up with a physical therapist who is best suited for you and your particular health condition.
PTs only. We do not employ assistants, technicians or aides. All services are delivered by a licensed physical therapist.
Progressive. We apply the latest tools and methods from around the world, like Redcord, Hypopressives and Postural Restoration.
Specialized. We have advanced training in niche areas of practice, such as vestibular rehab and pelvic health.
Continuum of care. We offer ongoing fitness training to support your recovery and unleash your body’s full potential.
Not surprisingly, when you (and your PT) are put into a quality healing environment like Activcore, physical therapy does actually work! Check out this video to learn more about the Activcore difference.
Check out my next blog post explaining why more and more physical therapists are choosing to join us at Activcore.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the opinion of the author, unless otherwise noted, and should not be taken as personal medical advice. The information provided is intended to help readers make their own informed health and wellness decisions.
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