If this is your first time to attend physical therapy, there may be many questions running through your head. And the first and most important might be: how do I pick a physical therapist? Although there are no hard or fast rules in picking a physical therapist, there are points you must review so you can make the right choice.
The following are pointers that can lead you to the right physical therapist:
1.Speak to your doctor.
Doctors may know and work with physical therapists for patients who are in need of physical rehabilitation. Through time, they see that some physical therapists communicate better than the rest, therapists that are often mentioned by patients who rave about them over and over, or even therapists who have consistently positive results. So don’t think twice about seeking recommendations from your doctor.
2.Seek referrals.
If you can’t get doctor recommendations from your physician, you can approach trusted friends, family members or coworkers who might know a good therapist. Physical therapy has become a popular treatment option these days.
3.Choose a specialist if possible.
When calling a clinic, ask whether they have clinicians who specialize in your type of injury. Therapists treat an entire range of issues, but having a specialist assures you that someone having advanced knowledge and skills will be around to meet your specific needs.
4.Inquire about licensing and certification.
Certain therapy techniques need special certification, and the good news is, you can easily learn whether or not the therapist you’re eyeing has the required certification or certifications for your specific condition – simply search their names on the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties website. To know whether someone has a license, check with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
5.Don’t be shy to make a special request.
If there’s a special request you would like to ask a clinic you might go to, don’t hesitate to tell them. For example, if you prefer an experienced therapist instead of a newly licensed one, they might be able to make arrangements.
6. Listen to your gut.
Apart from strong clinical skills, a good physical therapist has a good listening ear. They will ask ask questions and sincerely want to know your answers, because they know how important this is in creating an effective treatment plan. And there is no harm in wanting a therapist whose personality meshes with yours. In fact, this may even help you heal faster. Since you will probably spend quite some time together, you must find someone with whom you are totally comfortable.
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