Choose a Physical Therapist

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Rehabilitation is so important when you are recovering from an injury, surgery or just suffering from chronic pain. The right physical therapist will help you understand your body, offer advice and guidance on routine exercises and lifestyle changes that will get you back to or better than you were before. So how do you find the right one? Consider the tips below:

One-on-One Care: Does the clinic schedule patients so that one-on-one care with your treatment team is the norm? Too often, patients may be scheduled in 15-minute increments which significantly decreases the ability of your therapist to provide you with the best care. Wellspaced appointment blocks provide the best patient experience, by allowing ample time for explanation of treatment progress and questions. (It also can decrease the potential for longer waits in the waiting room.)

Consistency of Care: Does the clinic schedule you with the same treatment team at every visit? Too often, clinics book patients with whatever therapist is available. It can be tough for the therapist to properly progress your plan of care if they have never treated you before. Outcomes improve when the treatment team remains consistent.

Research: Not all PT clinics will provide you with the same service. Researching their online reviews is a great place to start! In addition, ask your friends, family and neighbors if they have had a good experience in physical therapy recently.

Scheduling within 24-48 hours: How soon can they see you? In Pennsylvania you may begin physical therapy without a physician referral with a Direct Access certified PT. Studies have shown that quicker access to physical therapy results in a faster and more complete recovery.

Cost: Physical therapy costs can vary widely depending on the type of clinic you choose (hospitalowned, physician-owned, or independent). The clinic should be able to check your benefits for you and provide you with a clear picture of your coverage. If you are a self-pay patient, this becomes even more important, as the cost for a one-hour physical therapy visit can vary from $100 at an independent clinic to $400+ at a hospital-owned clinic.

Privacy: A private room, especially during your first visit and evaluation, provides a place for confidentiality while you discuss your issues and problems with your PT.

Location: A local physical therapy clinic that is convenient to where you live or work makes it easier to keep your appointments, saves on gas and your time.

Credentials: Check their credentials! First, make sure they are a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Many PTs are generalists and can treat many diagnoses, however if you have a more specific issue, you may prefer a PT that has undergone additional training such as becoming a certified clinical specialist.

Individualized Treatments: Physical therapy is not one-size fits all and your PT should create a flexible plan of care that tracks your movement weekly to determine that your goals and timelines are adjusted as you progress.

If you think you could benefit from physical therapy, call and ask if a clinic offers FREE phone consultations. During this call, you can describe your issue to the physical therapist who can offer recommendations for you to try at home and will advise whether physical therapy can help.

Physical therapy is a combination of science, experience and art and it’s important to choose the right one. Don’t wait… get started today! The right physical therapist and your hard work will put you on the road to recovery so you can enjoy life again.