Physical therapy is one of the most common and effective ways to relieve pain or recover from injury. Aside from easing your symptoms, it helps improve your body function and mobility.
It is a common misconception that all physical therapies are the same.Physical therapy is an incredibly diverse field with several specialities addressing different needs.
Here are five tips to help you choose the right therapist for your condition.
What Is A Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist is a certified healthcare provider who helps pain and injury patients. They provide different forms of non-surgical and non-invasive treatments depending on your needs and condition.
Aside from relieving your symptoms, physical therapists also focus on uprooting its source to prevent future problems, as well as strengthening your body to improve function and lessen pain.
Consider going to a physical therapist if you need rehabilitation from injury or have acute or chronic pain.
1. Know Your Needs
You must be familiar with your pain and condition. Physical therapists have different specialties, and you need to know which one to approach.
For example, most patients recovering from musculoskeletal surgeries and injuries need an orthopedic physical therapist. Athletes or physically active individuals need physical therapists familiar with sports medicine.
They use different modalities, such as manual therapy, rehabilitative exercises, heat and cold therapy, and mobility training.
Asking yourself the following questions may help:
- What parts of your body are experiencing pain?
- What might be the source of your pain?
- Have you experienced any recent injuries?
Understanding your pain will help you know the specialization and experience to spot. Your orthopedic doctor, who will most likely refer you to physical therapy in the first place, can also guide you on this.
2. Check Their Credentials
If you are trying to choose a physical therapist, check their license to practice. Then, research the different types of training they underwent.
Did they receive specialized training in sports injury recovery or arthritis pain management? These credentials will help you determine which therapist is a good fit for you. It will also help you choose a safe, reputable physical therapist with a good history of treating patients safely and effectively.
3. Review Their Practical Experience
Aside from a license and specialized training, the right physical therapist will have years of experience dealing with your condition. For instance, if you are dealing with post-surgery recovery, your therapist should know how to craft an exercise and stretching plan designed to safely strengthen your body without risking injury to the sensitive area on which surgery was performed. Or, if you are an athlete, your physical therapist should have experience helping such patients improve their athletic performance safely and effectively.
Experience enhances knowledge and capability, and this will give you an idea of the benefits you will get.
4. Look For Patient Reviews And Testimonials
There’s no better testimony of a physical therapist’s experience than the words that come directly from their patients. You may check if they have this information available on their website or profile. Alternatively, you can check Google for reviews.
Read patient reviews and testimonials, especially from those with a similar condition. They will help you better understand the kind of treatment you might receive from a specific physical therapist.
5. Schedule a Consultation
The best thing to do when considering a physical therapist is to schedule a consultation. This is an opportunity for you to get a feel of their office, staff, and the physical therapist you may possibly be working with. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the physical therapist’s treatment philosophy and approach, as well as communication skills with their patients. You will be working with your physical therapist for several weeks or months, so it’s important to select one who you are compatible with and one that makes you feel heard, respected, and well cared for.
Exceptional Physical Therapy In Rochester Hills, MI
Physical therapy is a highly recommended conservative treatment for those whose pain is too distressing and affects their daily life. It’s time you listen to your body and consider looking for this healthcare provider near you.
At Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery, we seek to help patients overcome their pain through quality physical therapy in Rochester Hills. We can help you manage your pain with the help of our well-experienced physical therapists and friendly staff. Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, the best orthopedic spine surgeon near you, heads our teams of specialists. If you have any inquiries, contact us at (248) 215-8080. You can also book a visit through our online appointment form.
Don’t let your pain keep you from the life you deserve.
