4 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Physical Therapy Office

If you have an injury or illness that results in pain or a loss of functional mobility, you may need physical therapy. Whether you visit your doctor and he/she prescribes you physical therapy or you choose physical therapy yourself, there are some important things to think about before choosing a physical therapy clinic. Atmosphere Choosing a physical therapy clinic is like choosing any health professional’s office. Depending on where you choose to go, you will interact with multiple people in that office. From the front desk to the doctor you will maintain some sort of relationship with most people in that office. It’s important to watch how people interact with each other. You need to evaluate the environment. Is the clinic clean? Were you greeted right when you walked in? Do people seem happy to be there? It’s important to ask yourself these questions to make sure the atmosphere of the office fits your needs. This is where you will be spending a lot of time. You need to ensure the environment of the office is somewhere that you can succeed. Personality Keep in mind just because your doctor recommends a physical therapist to you, doesn’t mean you have to see that therapist. You are free to choose whom you would like to see. It’s important to find a physical therapist that you can work well with. Don’t be afraid to choose somewhere different than your doctor recommends. At the end of the day, it’s your body and you need to do what’s right for you. We as humans all respond differently to different personalities. We highly recommend finding a therapist that can motivate you and one you work well with. This will help to ensure a high success rate for your future. Insurance Do you accept my insurance? It may sound like a simple question, but so many patients attend physical therapy without knowing about their insurance coverage. Before attending physical therapy, make sure that your therapist accepts your insurance. Doing so can save you from a big headache, and perhaps a big out-of-pocket expense. Contact your insurance company yourself as well to double check your physical therapy benefits. Understanding how much you may have to pay out-of-pocket can help you make better decisions about your physical therapy care. Certifications and Specialties Do you specialize in treating my condition? Many physical therapists are board- certified clinical specialists. This means that they have passed rigorous tests and have spent many documented hours treating a specific condition or population. However, this does not mean that all therapists go on to continue education for years to come and continue to educate themselves on the newest procedures. It’s important to make sure you find a therapist that is actively pursuing continuing education; there are always new studies and tools out there. The world is constantly changing and new things are constantly being discovered. Make sure your therapist is on board with education to ensure you are receiving the best care possible. For example, the McKenzie Method is a specialized evaluation and treatment process for people with low back pain or neck pain. Physical therapists that are certified in this method may be best suited to treat these painful conditions. If you have never attended physical therapy before, you may not be sure what to look out for to ensure that you receive the best possible care. By asking a few simple questions before choosing a physical therapist, you can be sure that you make the most out of your physical therapy experience. Consultations are also a great way to get a tour of a clinic and ensure the clinic meets all your needs. Here at PTSI, we offer a no charge 10-minute consultation where you can come and meet with one of our doctors and find out if PTSI is best for you. Call us today to schedule your consultation at 208-478-1488