How to Find the Right Physical Therapist for You

When you are healing from an injury, surgery, or illness, physical therapy is often an essential step in your recovery process. However, finding the right physical therapist can feel overwhelming. Depending on where you live, a simple internet search will show you a list of many available physical therapists. How do you find the right therapist for your needs among so many?

Alex Klurfeld has been asked this question many times over the years. He has a few tips that can help you determine what you need to look for in a therapist. 

Finding a physical therapist that takes your insurance and is in-network, if applicable, may seem basic, but it is crucial. Depending on your injury and your treatment plan, you could have physical therapy multiple times a week. If your therapist is not in-network with your insurance company, your treatment could become cost-prohibitive. Too often, patients find a physical therapist that they like, but it becomes too difficult financially to continue after a few sessions. They then quit before they have completed their prescribed treatment plan and do not fully heal. It is much better to find a physical therapist in your insurance network from the outset.

 It is not uncommon for a patient's treatment plan to require multiple appointments a week, especially initially. For this reason, it is vital to find a physical therapist that is conveniently located. The closer the physical therapist's office is to your home or work, the more likely you will be able to complete your physical therapy program. Physical therapy takes time. Finding a therapist's office that fits into your already established routine will make your life easier. 

Depending on your needs, your physical therapist's facility needs to have the equipment necessary to accomplish your treatment. Most therapist facilities should have a variety of treadmills, resistance bands, massage tables, exercise balls, and weights. Your injury may require more specialized equipment such as a pool. Be sure the facility you choose is equipped to treat your injury or illness.

Your doctor knows you and what treatment you need. It is also likely that your doctor knows many of the physical therapists in your area. Your doctor is one of the best resources you have when looking for a therapist. Ask your doctor who they would recommend. Ask why they recommend that therapist. Be honest with your doctor and ask any questions that you may have. The more open you are, the better a recommendation your doctor can give you.

The physical therapist that you find needs to be educated and certified. Your physical therapist will be designing a program to help your body recover. If they do not know what they are doing, they will not be effective in your healing journey. They could even do more damage to you. Do your research and make sure that the person you are entrusting your healing to is well qualified.  They should have a degree in physical therapy from a recognized program and have passed their exam to receive their physical therapist license.

There are ten different specialties in the physical therapy field. You need to determine if you need a specialist or if a physical therapist that is more generalized is the right pick for you. For example, if you are recovering from COVID-19, you may need a physical therapist specializing in cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.  However, if you are recovering from surgery on your shoulder, a pulmonary specialist is not what you need. Often, a physical therapist with more generalized experience is what you need. The ten main physical therapy specialties are:

• Pediatric Physical Therapy
• Cardiac Physical Therapy
• Pulmonary Physical Therapy
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Neurological Physical Therapy
• Wound Management Therapy
• Oncology Physical Therapy
• Women's Health Physical Therapy

The relationship between a physical therapist and their patient requires a great deal of collaboration. It is crucial that you feel comfortable having open and honest communication with each other. Your physical therapist should be able to communicate and demonstrate the exercises that you need to do. You should feel comfortable with them massaging and stretching you. Your physical therapist should be professional but still, make you feel at ease.  A physical therapists' interpersonal skills with their patients are just as critical as their physical therapy skills.   Once you have found a therapist that you work well with and who knows how to help you accomplish your health and recovery goals, you will be well on your way to regaining your quality of life. 

Once you have done your research and found the right therapist for you, be willing to commit to the physical therapy process.  Seeing improvement through physical therapy takes time. Commit to the process and do the exercises that your therapist gives you. Even the best physical therapist is only as good as the effort you are willing to put in. The more consistent you are in doing your exercises when not with your physical therapist, the better the results you will see. You are an integral part of your healing journey. If you are struggling or have questions, talk to your physical therapist openly. Part of committing to physical therapy is communicating with your therapist. Your physical therapist can only help you if they know what you need. 

Depending on your needs, your physical therapist's facility needs to have the equipment necessary to accomplish your treatment. Most therapist facilities should have a variety of treadmills, resistance bands, massage tables, exercise balls, and weights. Your injury may require more specialized equipment such as a pool. Be sure the facility you choose is equipped to treat your injury or illness.

Once you have done your research and found the right therapist for you, be willing to commit to the physical therapy process.  Seeing improvement through physical therapy takes time. Commit to the process and do the exercises that your therapist gives you. Even the best physical therapist is only as good as the effort you are willing to put in. The more consistent you are in doing your exercises when not with your physical therapist, the better the results you will see. You are an integral part of your healing journey. If you are struggling or have questions, talk to your physical therapist openly. Part of committing to physical therapy is communicating with your therapist. Your physical therapist can only help you if they know what you need. 

Finding the right physical therapist for you takes a little time and research. When a patient and a physical therapist click, the road to recovery and living pain-free is much easier to navigate. Once you have found a therapist that you work well with and who knows how to help you accomplish your health and recovery goals, you will be well on your way to regaining your quality of life. 

• 10 physical therapy specialties to boost your career. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. (2021, August 13). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.usa.edu/blog/physical-therapy-specialties/. 
• 10 things to know before choosing your PT. Ability Rehabilitation. (2019, September 10). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://abilityrehabilitation.com/news/10-things-to-know-before-choosing-your-pt/. 
• Brett Sears, P. T. (2020, August 6). How to find the best physical therapist for your condition. Verywell Health. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-find-a-physical-therapist-2696632. 
• Home. Sutter Health. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/physical-therapy-rehabilitation/tips-for-choosing-a-physical-therapist.