Finding the right physical therapist for you is like finding a pair of shoes that fit. You want to feel comfortable with your therapist, and you want to ensure that his or her work and demeanor can support you throughout your recovery. How do you go about finding your perfect fit?
Here are five questions to ask that can help you select the best physical therapist for you.
1. Do you feel comfortable with your therapist?
You will be spending a lot of time with your physical therapist, so being able to mesh with a personality and therapy style is important. Your P.T. should be someone you can trust, both in their education and professional experience as well as his or her character and integrity. This will help to create a safe and successful environment for you to work through recovery. It is also vitally important that you know your therapist is able to easily and effectively communicate with your doctor.
2. What is their facility like?
The facility that you receive your physical therapy from should be fully equipped for every patient’s success. The technical skills and clinical judgements of your therapist is by far the most important factor, but a good working environment is very helpful to achieve the goals of your therapist. Natural light and cleanliness are very important to overall health and wellness along with appropriate equipment. Whether you will be using exercise machines, following a yoga routine, engaging in activities such as Tai-Chi, or sitting and meeting with your physical therapist, the facility should be able to easily and comfortably meet every need.
3. What variety of treatments do they offer?
Your P.T. should be knowledgeable in a wide set of treatment options, spanning the equipment you use to the style of therapy. From exercises to trigger point needling and infrared therapy, the type of treatment you are prescribed should be tailored to your specific needs, and you don’t want your options to be limited. IV infusions can help in recovery and wellness along with low level laser treatments, massage therapy and specialized functional fitness routines with cable-based training. Fascial train based individual stretching and acupuncture are also very helpful in treating pain, improving performance and promoting optimal aging.
4. Have they mapped out a timeline for your recovery?
Every patient’s recovery journey is different and happens in a different time frame. Your therapist should be able to work with you to customize your treatment plan to fit your needs and lifestyle as well as offer a projected timeline of relief. We believe that physical well being is vitally important to effective family and work life along with optimized aging and sports performance. This often means periods of more frequent events of physical therapy as prescribed for pain and/or injury followed by more infrequent ‘check-in’ meetings to make sure you stay physically vital.
5. Do they accept insurance?
This is often one of the first questions you ask your physical therapist or doctor. We fully understand the importance of a good understanding of what your insurance company allows and what they do or do not pay for. We will do research on your behalf and tell you all that your insurance company will make you personally responsible for in terms of the physical therapy program. Consistency with your visits is of the utmost importance and we will work with you to ensure the best regimen and program that is supported by your insurance company. Consult with your therapist about what insurance policies are accepted or what options are available for payment plans to avoid any lapse therapy. Remember, much of the physical therapy services are also qualified for HSA, FSA and medical spend accounts.
Finding the best therapist for you can seem daunting, but doing your research and asking questions will help you to find your perfect match. Then, you can begin your path to recovery with support you can trust.
Physical Therapy at Warner Orthopedics & Wellness
At our Baton Rouge clinic, we offer top-tier physical therapy services for those recovering from spine and hip damage, sports and work injuries, and more! We have a deep understanding of the intricacies and beauty of the human body and will optimize your biomechanics so that you can live your best life. Our services range from manual physical therapy to sports rehabilitation and dry needling, just to name a few.
Our team of therapists works closely with you to develop a unique treatment plan to manage pain, improve motion and function, and help you find long-term relief.
