“I’ve tried physical therapy before, but it didn’t work for me”. This phrase makes me cringe! Unfortunately for some people this is true. And just like with any other profession, there are therapists who are fantastic and passionate about their field, and those who are just doing what needs to be done to get through an appointment, or too bogged down by a heavy caseload to give a patient the care they need.
While there are some conditions and diagnoses that may be either very slow to heal, or may even require surgery, a majority of musculoskeletal conditions will be improved with increased motion and strengthening. But how do you know if the problem is your body or if you would be more benefitted by a different therapy team? Here are some things to look for in a great therapist or clinic:
1. One on one attention most of or all of the time
If you are constantly being juggled with 2 or 3 other patients at the same time, it is difficult to get the personalized care that you need.
2. A team that is willing to do the paperwork or leg work needed to help you get the visits you need
Many insurances offer extensions to plans of care if a need can be identified and documented. There are exceptions, but make sure your therapist is willing to help you fight to get the amount of care you need.
3. Personalized program
A cookie cutter program does not work for everyone. A skilled clinician should spend time looking at your specific musculoskeletal and personal factors to determine what needs the most work as well as what matters most to your quality of life. A sign of a problem is a patient who goes through a routine of the same exercises each appointment and just letsp the therapist know what they’ve done. There should be variety, increasing challenge, and specificity of programs for each patient.
4. The right frequency and duration of care
Sometimes people just need a few sessions to find out what exercises to perform or habits to tweak. Other times, the severity of injury or deconditioning require episodes of care longer than are typical. Your diagnosis is not just a number, and you need a plan tailored to your specific strengths and weaknesses. This may mean you need fewer visits than typical, or more per week than an average case.
5. Education
I have found time and again that people want to be as educated and informed about their conditions as possible. Patients want to participate in the process of learning what impairments they have and setting goals for the future. Don’t settle for someone parroting back to you the pain you are experiencing. Look for education on exactly what is going on with your pain and possible reasons as to why it is occurring, structures or imbalances that are involved or pathologies that are present. Make sure your voice is heard when thinking about what functional recovery looks like to you.
Summary
Remember, if you feel that your goals may be addressed better with a different therapist or a different clinic, speak up! Your doctor can send you to any clinic you prefer, it is just a matter of making sure your insurance is accepted at that clinic. In other words, you don’t have to stick with the in house physical therapist, but can find a therapist that matches up with your goals and expectations. Be your own advocate and make sure you are connecting with a team that wants to do all they can to see you succeed.
And, if you live in the Augusta area and want to learn more about working with us for Physical & Occupational Therapy, feel free to give us a call or book an appointment online. Or, you can check out our list of digital resources here.
