Find the Best Physical Therapist For You

By Lisa Shorter, PT

Excel Physical Therapy

. http://www.excel-physicaltherapy.com/home.html

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Find the Best Physical Therapist For You

As with many things in life there are bad services, good services, better services and the best. Not every physical therapist is the same. Not every office offers you the same quality of service. How do you know who is best suited for you? I would like to take the opportunity to offer you some guidelines

1. Interview the office by beginning with the front desk. Give them a briefing on your problem and ask if the office can manage your problem. How did the front desk handle your question? The front desk person should be friendly and welcoming. If the practice is functioning with a team approach, the front desk person will understand the importance of being able to answer your questions. They will be happy to guide you to the right person if they do not feel qualified to field your questions.

2. Ask to speak to a therapist about your problem, and ask about their qualifications and experience level. A passionate dynamic physical therapist will have no problem discussing their strengths and weaknesses. It is always good to hear that the therapists work with each other on difficult cases. Two sets of eyes, two sets of hands and two brains are better than one!

3. You should expect your initial visit to be at least an hour as it takes time to complete a thorough evaluation. Treatment is often initiated at this time. During this time, a thorough history of your problem should be communicated as well as what your goals are. You should have the feeling that your therapist is actively listening to what you are saying.

4. A thorough evaluation should include the taking of your medical history and objective testing. This may include, depending on your problem, many or all of the following movement testing, strength testing, stability testing, balance and gait testing as well as manual assessment of joint and muscle mobility. The therapist should be informing you about what they are testing and why.

5. The findings of the evaluation should be discussed with you as well as the global treatment plan. Often treatment is initiated and yes, you should expect some form of homework to do before your next visit. You should walk away with an increased understanding of your problem and with confidence that you are on the right road to recovery!

6. Your return treatment most often should include manual hands-on techniques (often neglected), therapeutic exercise, extensive patient education and modalities such as electric stimulation and ultrasound.

We have all felt the impact of a changing healthcare system. Healthcare providers are feeling the pressure of having to increase the volume of patients seen in a given day to offset the rising operational costs, while dealing with diminishing insurance reimbursement. The cost of this can be decreased quality care for the patient. It really is our own responsibility to ensure that we are receiving the care that we deserve. There are dedicated healthcare workers out there that are striving to provide exceptional care despite the economic challenges of today's healthcare. Don't stop looking for them and don't be afraid to ask questions. You're worth it!