How Do I Choose A Good Physiotherapist?

Like any other health professional, physiotherapy specialists are governed by a strict set of rules and service standards. They also have different areas of specialization. Whether you have a specific health condition or have an injury, choosing a physiotherapy expert is essential. If you select the wrong physiotherapy specialist, you may end up with delayed treatment outcomes, potential feelings of frustration, and incur a greater cost. The physiotherapist you find should understand your health problem and determine treatment goals. You may find several physical therapy experts in your area. However, you need to ensure you pick out the one best suited to treat you. Choose a physiotherapy clinic like Movement 101 that offers tailored solutions to ensure you get sustainable, long-term results. That being said, consider these things while seeking a physiotherapy specialist:

Qualification

You need to check that the physical therapy expert you are working with to treat your health condition is fully qualified. The therapist needs also be accredited, just like other healthcare professionals you choose. Ensure you check the qualification as they need to have completed a degree and other related courses from an approved institution.

Expertise

Physiotherapy is a broad field. Therefore, you need to seek out a therapist with training and qualification for your specific problem. Besides the capability, the therapist should have experience handling conditions similar to yours.

If you’ve back pain, you want a physiotherapy specialist who specializes in musculoskeletal conditions. If you are recovering from heart surgery, you may want to consider seeking a cardiovascular physical therapy specialist. Choosing a physiotherapist with the right expertise ensures that you get the proper treatment for your condition.

The Location

Ensure you find a physiotherapy expert from within your local area. You don’t want to be driving or moving long distances to seek treatment, especially if you’ve got a musculoskeletal problem when you’re recovering from a surgical procedure. Find one who is close by or within an area that’s not difficult to locate. This way, you can reach them during emergencies when you should get prompt treatment for your pain or condition.  

Treatment Methods

Physiotherapy specialists use several techniques such as joint manipulation, exercise programs, soft tissue mobilization or massage, and airway clearance techniques. There are also other techniques these healthcare professionals use. For instance, some physiotherapy specialists use acupuncture, reflexology, and hydrotherapy to treat specific conditions and injuries. 

Ask the therapist what alternative treatment they offer and if it can help with your health condition. However, leaving the decision to the physiotherapy specialist is a good idea. Nevertheless, you want to be careful about what technique is used to treat your condition. If, for instance, you need a massage to be included in your treatment, you can ask for a therapist who specializes in this area. If you want more strenuous exercises to be incorporated in your treatment after initial exercise therapy, you want a therapist who can double up as a personal trainer.  

Availability

Another important thing you consider is the availability of a physical therapy specialist. When you are in pain, you don’t want to be put on a waiting list. You need to get treatment as quickly as possible. Ask about their workload as it is crucial if you relapse and require emergency attention. You want to know about their working hours and if they are available during weekends, holidays, and at night. Some health conditions are an emergency, and you can’t wait long to get treatment.

Personality

You don’t want to deal with a therapist you are uncomfortable with. You should therefore look for someone who you have confidence in. Physiotherapy involves understanding the in-depth history of the patient to determine the cause of the problem. Besides, a therapist uses hands-on manipulation of the body. Ensure you seek a therapist that you can feel relaxed around. A person who you think you can trust.

Reputation

Last but not least, you want to ensure the physiotherapist has a good reputation. Ask for references to call patients the therapist treated and find out what they say about the treatment offered. You can read reviews, but these aren’t enough.

Knowing what to look out for in a physio ensures that you have the right professional taking care of your health problem. It also ensures you are comfortable while receiving your treatment. A physiotherapy specialist you can easily communicate with ensures you tell them more about your condition to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment.  A physio near you allows you to reach them easily when you need treatment.