Physical Therapist = Chiropractor?

I recently went to an orthopedic doctor who prescribed and recommended physical therapy for my patellar tracking disorder. Translation: My doctor referred me to a physical therapist for my knee problems. I have never been to a physical therapist, and I have always imagined them to be nurse-slash-trainer like. My first appointment was nothing like I would imagine. The office was basically one big gym space with a doctor's office receptionist counter and waiting/sitting area. The patients had little privacy in the gym. Most of the people I saw there had a limp or had some signs of limited mobility. I, on the other hand, had none of the symptoms. I wondered if my presence there was a result of my hypochondriac tendencies, or did I truly need physical therapy.

My first day, my therapist taught me 3 exercises to strengthen my hamstrings and VMO muscle, whatever that is. While going through the sets, I felt no strain. I started to think maybe this is borderline chiropractic. At the end of my session they placed two giant pillow-like cold packs on my knees and hooked electrodes to both sides of my knee caps. What is this? Labotomy for my knees? The sensation that followed felt like those static electric bolts contained in a giant crystal ball things you see at novelty stores wiggling through my knees. It was tingly and tasted like chicken. After I got home my knees became sore like no other. I moved like the patients I saw at the office.

Two days later, my knees were no longer sore. I think they even feel stronger, or perhaps it's a placebo psychosomatic thing. Afterall, I'm paying a good chunk of change per session; that might have something to do with it. I arrive at the office fully capable of full range of motion. This time three new exercises, and an hour after I leave the physical therapy office I am crippled. I thought you were supposed to enter crippled and leave fully capable, not the other way around. Maybe that's why everyone was limping around in the office; they are probably at level 16 exercises.