When you need physical therapy, whether you are experiencing shoulder, back, knee, or other issues, knowing what to look for and how to choose a physical therapist is essential.
Physical therapy from a skilled and experienced physical therapist is crucial in recovering from an injury, surgery, or strengthening your body to help you avoid further injury. Whether your pain is old or new, hiring a qualified physical therapist can make all the difference in your long-term quality of life.
Choosing a physical therapist who can aid you in strengthening your body and recovering from an injury may feel overwhelming. We will share with you the most important factors to consider so that you know how to choose the best physical therapist to ensure you recover fully and understand how to prevent further or future injuries.
13 Essential Tips for Choosing the Best Physical Therapist
Physical therapy can help alleviate pain and reduce your risk of injury and acute or chronic conditions whether you are an athlete, business professional, mom, or active adult.
#1. Ensure the Physical Therapist You Choose Is Certified
One of the critical factors when choosing your physical therapist is to ensure that they are licensed, have a degree from an accredited physical therapy program, and have completed their national licensure examination.
#2. Does the Physical Therapist Have the Skill and Experience to Treat Your Specific or Similar Conditions?
In general physical therapists receive the same types of training during their time in school. They are required to have a doctorate education level which results in around 6 or 7 years of schooling.
Physical therapists undergo various types of training during their education, including geriatrics, neurology, sports medicine, orthopedics, pulmonary, oncology, and women’s health. However, many physical therapists specialize in certain areas. For example, if you have knee, shoulder, or back pain, you want a physical therapist with experience dealing with these conditions.
Physical therapists with extensive experience dealing with patients with particular needs have a greater understanding of how to get the best results for their patients. For example, the best way to find a physical therapist ideally suited for your needs is to search for a “physical therapist near me that specializes in knee pain, back pain, or shoulder pain” or ask locals or your doctor who they would recommend.
#3. Research!
Various clinics often specialize in different body parts or other medical conditions. Some physical therapists offer additional areas of certification and unique skills, which could range from physiotherapy for shoulder pain, sports medicine, and athletes to treatment for pediatric or geriatric patients.
Call or visit local clinics, and ask your massage therapist and chiropractor for recommendations.
#4. Personality
Choose a physical therapist who is patient and has a personality that you enjoy. Physical therapy revolves around the partnership between you and your therapist, and working with a person you feel comfortable talking to and being around is essential.
To optimize the benefits of your physical therapy, you must trust your therapist and have a good working relationship with them. In addition, it will be crucial for you to follow the advice and exercises they give you to recover from your injuries fully.
#5. Consistency
The best way to optimize physical therapy is to work with the same therapist for each session. By working with the same physical therapist every time, you will develop better rapport and trust, and ultimately they will be able to understand your condition on a deeper level.
#6. Choose a Physical Therapist Willing to Create a Personalized Plan
No person or medical condition is exactly the same, and physical therapy is best approached from the point of view that no one size fits all. To choose a physical therapist, find one willing and able to create a plan of care and a list of goals specific to you.
Remember that your physical therapist may need to adjust the timelines and goals depending on your recovery process.
#7. Ensure That the Physical Therapist You Choose Has Excellent Manual Skills
The most experienced and skilled physical therapists will utilize their hands to improve, mobilize and catalyze your mobility and function. An experienced physical therapist understands that full recovery is not attainable through strengthening and stretching alone.
A physical therapist with excellent manual skills understands that manual manipulation allows scar tissue to heal effectively and helps alleviate pain and inflammation. Therefore, a therapist with strong and gentle hands is essential.
#8. Choose a Clinic and Physical Therapist That Are Easily Accessible to Where You Live
Often, patients going through physical therapy will need to go to at least one to three appointments for several weeks, so it is vital that your physical therapist's office is located nearby and is easily accessible. You also want to ensure that their hours and availability match your needs.
#9. Choose a Physical Therapy Clinic That Offers Up-To-Date Equipment
Depending on your injury or strength training needs, finding a physical therapist who utilizes exercise machines and up-to-date equipment will significantly help your recovery and strengthen your body to avoid future injuries.
#10. Find Out if Your Physical Therapist Is Using a Cash-Based Physical Therapy Model or Insurance
You may wonder if your insurance covers your physical therapy. Some physical therapists accept insurance, while others use the cash-based physical therapy model. Understanding the difference between insurance-based physical therapy and the cash model is essential.
When utilizing insurance, physical therapists may be limited in the number of sessions, the length of the sessions, and how much they charge. A cash model offers more flexibility, can often be more affordable, and offers various benefits depending on your physical therapist.
#11. Choose a Physical Therapist Who Can Give You the Necessary Recovery Training Protocol to Use at Home
Physical therapy doesn’t stop when you leave your appointment. Your physical therapist must give you in-depth instructions for exercises at home to ensure you understand how to do them correctly. During your sessions, your physical therapist needs to ensure you do the rehabilitation exercises properly and can offer extra support, such as videos and handouts.
#12. Long-term Support
Ask your physical therapist if continual support will be available after completing your sessions. Some people find that after returning to regular daily activities, they experience pain or stiffness, and other physical therapy is sometimes needed.
#13. Ask Questions to Ensure Your Physical Therapist Is Willing and Able to Communicate Openly and Effectively
It’s vital to be able to speak openly and easily with your physical therapist. Asking questions about their experience, methods, education, and results will help you understand how well they communicate, their knowledge, and their level of patience and compassion.
These guidelines will ensure that you choose the best physical therapist!
Choose Inspire Physical Therapy to Help You With Your Recovery and Injury Prevention
At Inspire Physical Therapy, we are here to help you and work with everyone from athletes, and active adults, to moms and busy professionals. We offer personalized treatment plans and treat the whole body, understanding that an injury or pain point sometimes does not reflect the actual cause of discomfort.
Are you ready to regain your health and improve your quality of life? Contact us today to book an appointment, and we will get you on the road to recovery and strength.
