Debunking Common Physical Therapy Myths for Your Feet

Okay, so your podiatrist recommended physical therapy to start treating your foot or ankle problem. But what should you expect? You probably have a lot of questions and preconceived notions about how physical therapy works, so in this article, we at  PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center are setting the record straight.

Physical Therapy is Only for After Surgery

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Physical therapy is an incredibly powerful tool for conservative management, meaning it's often the very thing that helps you avoid surgery in the first place.

For chronic issues like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or deformities, a physical therapist can work with you to strengthen weak muscles, correct gait imbalances, and restore flexibility. This approach can resolve the problem before surgery ever becomes a consideration.

It's Just About a Few Stretches

A physical therapy program is much more comprehensive than a simple stretching routine. Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment and design a tailored plan that includes a variety of techniques.

You'll likely do specific strengthening exercises to target key stabilizing muscles, balance training, walking, and manual therapy to improve joint mobility. They might even use modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation. It’s a full roadmap to recovery, not just a few stretches.

Physical Therapy is Painful

While some sessions might involve a degree of discomfort as you work to regain flexibility or strength, physical therapy should never be excruciating. The goal is to work with your body, not against it.

Your therapist is an expert at finding the right balance of challenge and relief, and they will constantly check in with you to ensure you're progressing safely. If you feel sharp, unbearable pain, you should always speak up so they can adjust the exercise.

You Just Have to Show Up for Your Appointments

Well, showing up is half the battle, but the other half happens at home. The exercises and stretches your therapist gives you to do between sessions are a critical part of your treatment plan. Doing them consistently reinforces the work you do in the office and is what drives real, lasting progress. Think of your appointments as guidance sessions, and the work at home as the true path to recovery.

A Podiatrist and a Physical Therapist Do the Same Thing

No. In fact, it’s a team-based approach. The podiatrist is the expert who diagnoses your foot condition, provides medical treatment (like orthotics, injections, or surgery), and manages the overall health of your feet.

The physical therapist, however, is the one who helps restore function and movement through exercise. They are specialists in functionally working with your feet in real time.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.