Physical therapists are some of the best professionals you’ll find. Not only are they capable of helping clients recover from traumatic injuries, but they can also work to make living easier for someone with arthritis or give someone the ability to sign their name and take back autonomy of their own life.
You have to make sure you pick the right therapist, though.
These are the top things that determine the worth of a physical therapist and why it’s a big deal to consider these early on.
1. Patient History
Your physical therapist needs to be someone who knows what they’re doing and has worked with others before. They don’t necessarily have to have experience with your specific wound, but they should have experience with a rehabilitation style that will benefit you.
Thanks to the internet, most physical therapists have reviews online that you can look up and read. This will give you insight into their lives and let you decide whether or not they’re the right choice for you.
2. If They Listen to You
Physical therapy can feel isolating and painful if you don’t have the right therapist. You need a professional who’s on your side, understands what you’ve been through, and is willing to work hard to help you get back to the life you want to lead. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how important this is.
When interviewing physical therapists, watch how they interact with you. Do they listen to your concerns, or do they seem to speak over you? Do you feel like they’ll take you seriously if you say you have to stop, or you feel overwhelmed or are in too much pain from the therapy? If not, keep looking.
3. Tips They Give For Time at Home
Every good physical therapist will have a large focus on getting you back to a comfortable home-life routine that leaves you feeling relaxed and safe. The right fit will give you tips on how to continue therapy when at home and what you can avoid doing that might set you back in pain or mobility. Physical therapy doesn’t stop just because you aren’t in the office.
4. Setting Clear Goals With You
Goals are awesome because they give you something to look forward to. A physical therapist that will work on goals with you will provide you with the chance to decide how far you want to go and will set a date. This can be hard to do on your own and is incredibly useful.
5. Expertise in Specific Injuries
Does your physical therapist have a history of working with your specific injury? If your collarbone was shattered in an accident, and you’re working to recover, you need to find a physical therapist who knows how to work on chest and arm recovery, as well as respiratory rehabilitation.
Every physical therapist has a history of working in specific areas, so it’s vital that you stop and make sure you find one that works in what you need.
Physical Therapists Change Everything
Whether you’re going for an injury or to learn to stretch and move muscles you might not have used for years, it’s important to stop and heavily consider which physical therapist you see. Think about each of these tips, and look for someone who suits what you want.
