Provider
Referring providers' beliefs about and experience with physical therapy may influence their perceptions of it as an effective treatment for pain and other conditions.
Barriers
Some referring providers may have misconceptions of PT that influence their perceptions of appropriateness for their patients. This may include perceptions that PT is only useful for post-surgical or acute rehabilitative care, or a misunderstanding of the potential utility of PT for general musculoskeletal care or neurological rehabilitation following events like heart attacks and strokes.
Facilitators
When referring, providers are aware of programs such as cardiac rehabilitation or post-stroke neurological rehabilitation offered by physical therapists, patients often have improved short- and long-term outcomes, including function and quality of life.