Physical therapy is a specialized healthcare profession that focuses on helping people improve their movement patterns and reduce pain. Physical therapists use various methods to help patients recover from injuries, rehabilitate after surgery, manage chronic conditions, and prevent future problems. If you’re looking for a physical therapist, here are some things to consider before choosing one.
In this guide we are sharing 5 tips to help you choose the best physical therapy clinic. They include:
- Making sure the clinic is experienced with your injury
- Checking if therapists have certifications and licenses
- Asking if your practitioner has been properly trained
- Finding out if the atmosphere is geared towards healing
- Asking if they take your insurance or offer cash packages
1. Experience level
The amount of time a physical therapist has worked in the field is important. A physical therapist who has been practicing for many years is likely to have more experience than someone who just graduated from school. Experience also helps determine how much training they have received.
2. Licensing/certification
Licensed physical therapists may be able to practice without being certified. However, if they don’t hold a license, they won’t be allowed to treat patients. In addition, physical therapy schools often require students to pass licensing exams before graduation. So, make sure the physical therapist you choose holds a valid license.
3. Training
Most physical therapists receive formal training in the classroom and clinical settings. Both types of training involve learning about anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, rehabilitation techniques, and injury prevention. To become licensed, physical therapists also need to complete supervised clinical hours and pass board certification exams.
4. Practice setting
You want to find a physical therapist whose office is convenient for you. How long do you plan to work with them? Do they offer weekend appointments? What is the atmosphere like? Is it motivating and encouraging? These questions can help you decide whether a physical therapist is right for you.
5. Insurance coverage
If you have insurance, ask what type of coverage your provider accepts. Find out if they accept Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or self-pay.
There are a few quick tips when you are searching for the perfect physical therapy clinic for your injury! Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about our clinic and how we can help you recover from an injury.
