Avery Simmons
One of the most frustrating things about being a physical therapist is that most people don’t understand what physical therapy is, or how it can be a solution to their pain!
Even if someone has a relative who’s done PT, they likely believe a lot of myths about physical therapy.
But what if you could correct those misconceptions on your website? How could addressing those myths increase your new patient volume?
In this blog, we’ll tackle 7 misunderstandings patients have about physical therapy, and provide examples on how your website can easily correct those myths and attract new patients.
Myth #1: I need a doctor’s referral to get physical therapy.
It is now legal everywhere in the United States and Canada to see a physical therapist direct-to-consumer, without a physician referral. The problem is: most people don’t know this!
Your Website Fix: Add buttons that say “Book an Appointment” at key places on your website! You can also clarify that you don’t need a physician referral to book right on your homepage.
Check out this example from ProClinix PT! They’ve put a banner right across the top of their website that says “No Physician Referral Needed!” Plus, they’ve added a page that talks about Direct Access.
Myth #2: Physical therapy is painful.
Many patients assume physical therapy is going to be painful. But as PTs, we know what’s really painful: surgery, injections, harsh medications, and not being able to live the life you want.
Your Website Fix: Make sure the pictures on your website show patients engaged in passive, non-intimidating exercises.
Note how Cedar Hill PT’s page on Manual Therapy shows the patient in a comfortable position while promising “safe and effective pain relief.”
Myth #3: Physical therapy is expensive and my insurance won’t cover it.
Many patients think their insurance won’t cover PT. But chances are, your practice accepts more forms of insurance than your patients expect!
Your Website Fix: Add an easy-to-find web page that explains what insurance you take, and why physical therapy is more affordable than people think!
Here’s a great example from Advantage PT:
Myth #4: Physical and occupational therapy are only for the elderly or after a surgery.
45-year-old Kathy may know that her mother saw a physical therapist after her knee replacement…but she may not realize that PT could also be the solution to her chronic neck pain.
Your Website Fix: Put images on your website of a variety of patients: young people, elderly patients, athletes, and more! Also, if you specialize in pediatric, pelvic floor, or sports therapy–say so on your homepage!
For example, look at this great homepage by Peach Physiotherapy, which showcases people of different ages who could benefit from PT.
Myth #5: Therapy won’t work for me; I tried it before.
A past negative experience with physical therapy can be a major barrier to patients trying physical therapy. But you have the power to change their minds through your website!
Your Website Fix: Include testimonials that show how people got better at YOUR clinic. Ideally, include testimonials of people who were skeptical at first or who had also had a negative experience with PT before you.
These testimonials should be spread across your website, not just on one page.
Here’s a great example of a testimonial from Lycoming Physical Therapy:
Related: How to Request Online Reviews in Person
Myth #6: Surgery or injections are my only option.
Because patients don’t understand physical therapy, they think their only chance to get their lives back is through medications, surgery, and injections. As physical therapists, our job is to educate patients on all their options.
Your Website Fix: Emphasize that physical therapy is a natural way to find relief from pain.
Madden & Gilbert PT, which is co-owned by Chad Madden, the co-founder of Breakthrough PT Marketing, does a great job of showing that physical therapy is an natural and effective alternative:
Myth #7: PT is like a massage…right?
You know that you spent many years in school to be a physical therapist. The problem is: many patients don’t know how professional physical therapists are!
There’s nothing wrong with a good massage. But your website needs to emphasize that your team are licensed medical professionals who can not only treat, but diagnose their injuries.
Your Website Fix: Your “Our Team” page is one of the most highly-viewed pages on your website–which means it’s a great opportunity to emphasize the competency and experience of your team!
Plus, you don’t have to be a large practice to have an effective Our Team page. Check out Cedar Hill PT’s Our Team page.
Finally, here’s one big website fix: Add an FAQ page that corrects all these misunderstandings!
Not only will this answer your patients’ questions, it will also show that you empathize with your patients’ concerns enough to address them! Patients want a PT who is both competent and caring.
Finally, an FAQ page can improve your site’s SEO by spelling out all the types of treatment you offer.
Image the trust you’d build with potential patients if you had an FAQ page like Advantage PT’s!
The Bottom Line: Your Website Should Fight PT Myths
Confusion about physical therapy is a major barrier to getting new patients. So, to recap…
Your Website Needs To Tell Patients:
- You DON’T need a physician referral
- Physical therapy ISN’T painful
- Many insurance plans DO cover PT
- Physical therapy is for anyone with pain, not just the elderly
- PT CAN work for you
- Surgery and injections are NOT your only option
- PTs are licensed medical professionals
The Practice Promotions team makes sure to convey those seven points on every website we create for clinics across North America. If you correct these misconceptions on your website, you WILL see more new patients and more returning patients.
