There are various reasons you might need a physical therapist at some point in your life. If you’ve recently been involved in a car or sports accident, a physical therapist may be able to help you regain mobility. A physical therapist can also come in handy if you start experiencing chronic pain or mobility issues for an unknown reason. But the key to getting the best outcome from your physical therapy sessions is to find a professional who is very good at his or her job. Here are a few things you should look for in a physical therapist.
Expertise
The best physical therapists are those that spend significant time learning and practicing their craft. Generally, you want to look for therapists who have experience treating issues that are the same or similar to what you’re experiencing. The only way to know about a therapist’s past experience is to ask him or her, so don’t be shy.
Relevance
The last thing you want is to work with a therapist who uses outdated and irrelevant research and techniques to treat your physical issues. Instead, look for a therapist that stays up-to-date with emerging science and research in the field. A therapist who is committed to receiving continuing education and using cutting-edge technology will probably provide a better outcome than a therapist who doesn’t know about the latest advancements in his or her line of work.
Attentiveness
You can tell a lot about a physical therapist within the first few minutes of seeing them. If they are attentive to your issues and pay close attention to what you have to say, you will probably have a much better experience than you would with a dismissive therapist. During your first visit, a good therapist will assess your pain level, symptoms, range of motion, balance, and strength. The first visit should give you a pretty good indication of how future visits will go.
Empathy
A good physical therapist should be empathetic and sensitive to your pain, fears, and worries regarding your physical health. If you feel like your therapist doesn’t understand or care about what you’re going through, you may want to move on to someone who’s a bit more sympathetic.
Treatment Options
Most good therapists try to come up with multiple solutions for the same problem, then allow the patient to choose the solution he or she prefers. The best therapists will also ask for your input regarding activities and/or exercise you like to perform, then incorporate those into your treatment plan whenever possible.
Find the Right Physical Therapist
When you find a good physical therapist, you’ll know because you’ll feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to improve your physical function and mobility. It’s important to note that physical therapy is painful by nature, so don’t try to find a physical therapist that can “cure” you without any pain. Instead, look for someone who is committed to helping you work through the pain so you can enjoy the rewards of your efforts.
Newport Medical and Wellness Center offers extensive rehabilitation services in the areas of neurologic, orthopedic, and pain management. Schedule your appointment to experience the many benefits physical therapy can offer you.
