Let me start by saying, physicians almost always act in their patient's best interest ( read: should act in their patient's best interest) but they don't know everything. Recently, I underwent abdominal surgery and after had to relearn a lot of things I thought I knew how to do. I took for granted how difficult it would be sit up and breathe. At my most recent follow-up I was told I can return to work as a physical therapist, but I'm not allowed to lift more than 10lbs and I can't exercise. Now, if you're confused, you should be. One of physical therapy's largest components is exercise. I am not implying my physician is intentionally being obtuse, but there is a disconnect as to what a physical therapist knows and what we learn. Did you know a physical therapist goes through almost the same amount of schooling as a physician? In addition to our undergraduate education, we ( as of 2016) go through a 3 year doctoral level graduate program? After that, we even have the choice to do residencies to further our studies. It does NOT mean we replace physicians; it does mean we are a vital part of the health care continuum and we know when physical therapy is appropriate and when it is not.
Sometimes your MD doesn't know everything...
Updated: Apr 11, 2023