The Complete Guide to Choosing a Physical Therapist for Your Injury

Are you in need of physical therapy?

Choosing a physical therapist can be a hassle, but there are no cutting corners when it comes to your health. Contrary to popular belief, not all physical therapists are the same. While the general goal of a physical therapist is to help you rehabilitate an injury, they may vary in specializations and treatments.

Choosing the appropriate therapist is critical to getting the best physical therapy experience. This article covers what you need to consider in selecting a physical therapist. Read on to know more and get the help you need today!

Certifications and Credentials

Another consideration is when choosing your physical therapist is their credentials and other certifications. Keep in mind that all physical therapists receive the same academic training. Most, if not all, new physical therapists start working with a doctorate under their belts.

This means that, on average, your physical therapist must have taken six or seven years of study. Physical therapists can also vary in specialties, like sports medicine and rehabilitation. Because of these specializations, therapists can also have different certifications.

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) offers advanced certifications. This includes the certifications of the following clinical specialty areas:

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy or the OCS
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy or the PCS
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy or the SCS

Having a certified physical therapist will ensure that they are well-trained to treat you. It also lessens your doubts that often prevents a good patient-doctor relationship.

You can call the nearest facility in your area and inquire about their services. This allows you to find a therapist with the right credentials and certifications for your condition.

Experience and Specialty

Physical therapists can vary in skills and knowledge about different kinds of therapies. This enables them to give the necessary treatment for all the types of injuries patients have. Physical therapists may specialize in some of the following:

Cardiovascular and pulmonary
Oncology
Women’s health
Geriatrics
Neurology
Orthopedics
Sport

Experience is also a major factor in choosing a physical therapist. Years of experience means that your therapist is well-equipped and knowledgeable enough. That means that they know what the best and most effective way will be to treat and handle your injury.

PTs with specific specialties are also the ideal choice. Injuries may be the same, but their causes are different. This means that their approach to your condition can be different.

Rehabilitation for car accidents can be different from sports cases. Sports clinical specialists have more clinical experience to treat sprains and fractures.

Some can even have strength and conditioning certifications that help with gym training. Considering specializations and experience will help you make informed decisions.

Location

Depending on your injury, there’s a high chance that you’ll make frequent visits for your therapy. So, it’s crucial to consider the location of your chosen physical therapist.

If you’re enrolled for physical therapy, making the travel time shorter will be a massive relief. That way, you’ll be able to save time from traveling and won’t get tired from the transport.

Most therapy sessions will need you to visit your facility once or twice a week. However, this can vary depending on your injury and how it’s healing. Aside from that, it will also last for a longer period than what you’re expecting.

It’s best to look at options for physical therapists within your vicinity. The facility’s location must not also take you out of your usual routine. Doing this will make your therapy sessions easier and more bearable to deal with.

Costs

Costs are also essential factors in choosing a therapist. Therapy fees can become quite expensive, especially if you have appointments every week. You don’t want to choose a therapist or facility that’s above your allotted budget.

You also need to check your insurance to check and understand the benefits you have. This will help you choose the most appropriate therapist fitted to your budget. By doing this, you’ll be able to avoid any financial setbacks during the period of your therapy.

Keep in mind that different insurance carriers have different insurance policies. This means that the pay can be in different amounts. Because of that, it’s better that you contact your insurance provider on the grounds of your policy.

Aside from that, it’s also critical that you get in touch with your therapist before starting your session. Ask questions and clarifications about their billing systems and payment policies. Doing this will also help shortlist your options for physical therapists.

References and Reviews

One of the easiest ways to choose the best PT for you is through references and reviews. Some states vary in giving direct access to patients in need of therapy without referrals. Direct access helps increase the patients’ accessibility to a qualified physical therapist.

Looking at your PT options’ reviews online is also a great way to narrow it down. Aside from that, getting PT references from friends and family is also good. This ensures that their therapy sessions are worth it and effective.

Therapy Sessions

Always remember that physical therapy is not a one size fits all session. Each condition has a different treatment designed either for rehabilitation or sports.
A great physical therapy session always includes personalized plans.

Personalized therapy plans guarantee that your PT has determined your goals every session. Having these goals makes it easier for you to go through the treatment. This also helps your PT check your progress.

Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing a Physical Therapist

Choosing a physical therapist can be intimidating, especially after a traumatizing incident. However, it doesn’t have to be with Revitalize Rehab Club!