Why I Call Myself a Physiotherapist (Even Though My Degree Says ‘Doctor of Physical Therapy’)
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I often get asked why I choose to call myself a "Physiotherapist." After all, my degree literally says "Doctor of Physical Therapy," so why the different title? The answer goes beyond just a name—it's about how I approach care, especially as a cash-based provider working with combat athletes.
The Stigma Around Physical Therapy in the U.S.
In the U.S., physical therapy often comes with a certain stigma. Many people see it as a service focused on treating individual injuries—like a sprained knee, a hurt shoulder, or back pain—without looking at the bigger picture. This mindset is shaped by the way traditional, insurance-based physical therapy is structured.
Insurance companies typically limit the number of sessions, control the types of treatments you can receive, and expect quick fixes for problems that often require a deeper, more personalized approach. This leads to short, rushed sessions where therapists don’t always have the time or freedom to look at the whole body and how it works together. Instead, they’re often forced to focus on the specific injury and treat it in isolation.
For me, this system doesn't align with the way I want to care for my clients, which is why I’ve opted for a different approach.
Why I Identify as a Physiotherapist
The term "Physiotherapist" resonates with me because it stands apart from the typical model of physical therapy in the U.S. As a physiotherapist, my approach is holistic—I look at the body as a whole, not just a collection of individual injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a knee injury, shoulder pain, or recovering from a fight, I understand that no part of your body works in isolation.
For my combat athletes, this approach is especially important. When you’re in the ring, you rely on your entire body to move, strike, defend, and perform. A knee injury isn’t just about the knee—it can affect your movement patterns, your balance, and even how you generate power from your hips or shoulders. Treating the knee without considering the bigger picture could lead to more problems down the road, which is why I believe in addressing the body as a whole system.
The Freedom of a Cash-Based Practice
One of the biggest reasons I choose to operate as a cash-based physiotherapist is the freedom it gives me to provide personalized care. When you're working within an insurance-based model, you're often restricted by what the insurance company will allow—whether it's the number of sessions, the type of treatments, or how much time you can spend with each client.
In a cash-based practice, I don’t have to play by those rules. This means I can spend more time with each athlete, dive deeper into their specific needs, and create a customized treatment plan that isn't rushed or dictated by insurance limits.
For my combat athletes, this means we can work on everything from injury recovery to performance optimization. I have the flexibility to focus on not just fixing what’s hurting but also preventing future injuries and helping you get stronger, faster, and more resilient.
Treating the Whole Body, Not Just the Injury
As a cash-based physiotherapist, I’m able to look at how the entire body works together. For example, a fighter recovering from an ankle injury isn’t just focused on healing the ankle—we’re also looking at how the injury is affecting their footwork, balance, and power generation during a fight. By addressing the entire kinetic chain, I’m able to help athletes move more efficiently and recover more completely.
This is especially crucial for combat athletes, who rely on their bodies functioning as a single, well-oiled machine. Whether you’re throwing punches, grappling, or defending against strikes, your body needs to be in sync. A holistic approach ensures that nothing is overlooked, and that every movement is optimized for performance.
The Benefits of a Holistic, Cash-Based Approach
By stepping outside the traditional health insurance model, I can provide better care for my athletes. Here’s how this benefits you:
Personalized Attention: I’m not bound by strict time limits, so I can take the time to fully assess your needs and create a tailored plan.
Long-Term Focus: Instead of rushing to treat one injury and move on, I’m able to focus on long-term results and prevent future problems.
Holistic Treatment: I treat the body as a whole, ensuring that all movement patterns and systems work together for optimal performance.
More Time to Address Root Causes: With no pressure to meet insurance guidelines, I can dive deeper into finding and addressing the root cause of an injury, not just the symptoms.
Conclusion: Why I Choose Physiotherapist
While I earned the title of "Doctor of Physical Therapy," I choose to call myself a Physiotherapist because it aligns with how I believe care should be delivered—holistic, personalized, and focused on the whole body. As a cash-based provider, I have the freedom to treat my athletes in a way that gets real, lasting results, especially for those in high-performance sports like combat athletics.
If you’re curious about how this approach can help you, let’s connect. I’m here to help you perform at your best and stay injury-free—because your body deserves more than just quick fixes.
