What Is Traditional Physical Therapy

February 3, 2025

We talked with several people this week who mentioned they tried “Traditional Physical Therapy”

Most People don’t know they’re at TPT.

Maybe your physician told you to go to a specific location or company they recommend.

Yoy may have searched for the closest PT location to where you live out of convenience.

But these fives things are how you can really tell:

  1. You’re being prescribed exercises you can easily perform at home
    • PTs managing several patients at a time will prescribe exercises requiring low levels of supervision to assist with their productivity.
  2. Your at-home program is given on a black-and-white printout that does not progress over time
    • Your PT should be upfront with you about what it’s going to take to progress.
    • Ideally your at home program should integrate seamlessly with your current workout plan
    • If you dont have a workout plan, you PT should be able to provide you with one that considers your injury.
    • Most importantly, this plan should evolve through your course of care.
  3. You work with a different PT or assistant every session.
    • To maximize the amount of people seen at a location, you will often spend time with multiple therapists or assistants.
    • This becomes a barrier to progress when key moments in previous sessions aren’t considered at future sessions.
    • While working in this setting can still be productive, it can be frustrating to explain your condition to several therapists.
  4. You can only work on one body part at a time…even if you are experiencing multiple issues at once.
    • If you have multiple injuries, there’s a chance they are related
    • If you’re working with a movement professional, all areas should be addressed in order of priority
  5. You feel like just another number.
    • This one is self-explanatory – if it feels like you aren’t being given the time, or not being listed to, you should trust that feeling.

Traditional Physical Therapy can absolutely be a solution for you.

Great therapists exist at these locations but are forced to operate in a system that can dampen quality of care – and as result, your outcomes.

If you’re ready for a different approach – let’s talk.

Let’s Hear Your Story