You were recently injured, and your primary care physician recommended physical therapy. Or perhaps, arthritis or a chronic condition turns your daily activities into a challenge. And with joints that seem to have a mind of their own, you know it’s time to bite the bullet by seeking professional help. But where do you start?
Luckily, if you live in New South Wales, you can visit the Movement 101 Chatswood clinic and get top-of-the-line physical therapy. Their friendly and conscientious experts – physiotherapists, podiatrists, and physiologists – are on hand to promote your recovery. But since you might be on the fence, they’ve also prepared a guide to help you find the right physical therapist. Here are some pointers to help in your search:
1. Network: Ask Around
Did a family member or friend recently have a positive physical therapy experience? Well, kick-start your search by seeking out recommendations. Your colleagues may also point you in the right direction.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional might provide an informed opinion as well. Most likely, they know some of the best physical therapists in the area. But if you’re still lost or can’t find a referral, move on to the next step.
2. Do Your Research
If you’re desperate for help, you might randomly pick a therapist and cross your fingers – hoping for the best. Such a move could be dangerous, though – you don’t want to risk worsening your condition. Besides, you may pick a rookie who uses you as their guinea pig. Is that a risk worth taking?
So, do a bit of digging before committing to a particular practice. Let’s assume you surfed online and found a few suitable candidates.
You can start by reading reviews to get a feel for a particular practice. Chances are someone will have shared their experience with the therapist in question. Be especially leery of clinics without an online presence or reviews, as they could be running fly-by-night operations.
3. Interview Potential Candidates
When you apply for a job, most likely, you have to go through a few rounds of interviews. Why should selecting the right physical therapist be any different?
Well then, give your shortlisted candidates a call or shoot them an email. During the conversation, ask about their qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. Their credentials can also inform you a lot about their professionalism.
And most importantly, inquire about their success rate with similar conditions. While at it, keep an eye on their mannerisms. If they’re intent on listening to your specific needs and fielding your questions, you might have found a winner.
But if they come off as uninterested in your case or rush through the interview (hoping to move on to the next patient, you might only be another number on their list. Hence, cross them off your list and continue your search.
4. Consider the Cost
Imagine signing up for a physical therapy session, only to realize you can’t afford the long-term treatment. This could mean cutting short your recovery process, leaving you in a bind.
In this regard, ask the therapist about their fees, payment plans, and whether they accept insurance. Some providers may offer a discounted rate if you commit to multiple sessions. It also doesn’t hurt to compare pricing with other therapists in the area so you know you’re not paying through the nose for a service you could get elsewhere.
That said, note that experienced therapists tend to charge more than their counterparts. But since they have a better track record, the extra expense could be worth it.
5. Quality over Quantity
Your health should come first – don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. For instance, if you end up at a clinic and notice your therapist has two patients to attend to at a go, be wary – the quality of treatment could suffer if they split their time between multiple patients. Also, politely decline if they insist on offering various treatments in a single session. More often than not, such a practice could do more harm than good.
Remember, physical therapy is meant to aid your recovery process – not hurt you further. Quality should precede quantity, so select a professional who values the former.
6. Convenience
Is your preferred therapist located miles away from your house or office? If yes, you might struggle to keep up with the sessions if you factor in traffic and other commitments. There’s no point in allocating half your day to therapy merely because your go-to practitioner is too far off.
Hence, factor in the location when selecting a physical therapist. In other words, choose a practitioner nearby to easily access their services without compromising your daily routine.
Finding a good physical therapist shouldn’t be a stressful affair. Put the tips above to good use, and you’ll be a step closer to achieving recovery. And while at it, don’t rush through the process as your body needs ample time to heal.
How Physiotherapy Can Improve Your Well-Being