Ask an Expert: Volume 2
Have a burning question for a physical therapy expert? Ask me! After getting several e-mails and comments in response to articles I have in local publications, I decided this would be a great way to share some of that insight. The questions I have gotten are pretty common so it made sense to put them out there for all to learn from! If you want to submit a question, send me an e-mail (Lenae@kairospt.com) with “Ask an Expert” in the subject line. Your question just might be the one picked for the next publication!
Question:
“What should I look for in a physical therapist?”
Answer:
Like any other profession, not all PT’s are the same. Finding a good one is like finding a great accountant or hair stylist. They become your go-to! If you’ve had a bad physical therapy experience in the past, there are others out there. Understanding what to look for is critical for you to get the best results time and time again. Here are the things you should look for…
-One-on-one undivided attention from the PT throughout the entire session. This means you should not be handed off to an aide or assistant.
-Sessions that are at least an hour. Getting much done with anything less than that means you will just be scratching the surface. To get down to the root of your movement health, it takes time.
-A PT with a solid amount of professional experience; generally at least 5 years is ideal.
-A thorough initial discussion at your evaluation session. A skilled PT knows that she/he needs to not only understand your current problem, but also any previous movement problems, your lifestyle, goals, personality, previous PT experiences and overall expectations. Getting only superficial information will result in superficial treatment.
-A PT who gives you true clarity. You should be crystal clear on the problem, the proposed plan of action, what you should expect through the course of care, when you should anticipate relief, the expected overall time frame and your home exercise program. In short, you should walk away from your first session feeling encouraged and confident in your provider.
-A PT who caters to your unique body, problem and lifestyle. Slapping on a standard set of treatments and exercises will not get you optimal results. Furthermore, the amount of time an individual is able to dedicate to a home program differs greatly. She/he should develop a plan that takes all of this into account. This means attention to detail, making tweaks and modifications often and checking in with you consistently.
-An overall therapy experience that is efficient and convenient. If scheduling is difficult, communication is untimely, or you are left waiting in the lobby for 10 minutes past your appointment time, you should look elsewhere. Find someone who respects your time and energy. Ideally, someone who comes to you allowing you to be as efficient as possible with your day.
Question:
“How long does physical therapy take?”
Answer:
There are many factors to consider in answering this question and it varies greatly based on the unique individual. This means that slapping on a standard twice/week for 6 weeks for every client is a ridiculous approach. Certain individuals take a bit more time to learn different movements while others pick up on new things quickly, hastening their progress. The longer a problem has been around, generally the longer it takes to resolve. The client’s goals play a big part, with higher levels of performance typically requiring more time to achieve. Those who are healthy and fit prior to the injury tend to rebuild faster. Certain tissues take longer to heal (like nerves) than others and the severity of the injury adds another layer to this timeframe. Lastly, an individual who is consistent with appointments and does their home program as prescribed typically reaps benefits faster. So as you can see, there is a lot for your PT to consider. It’s important that the plan is catered specifically to you so that you get the best results. A skilled PT will be able to give you a good idea of what to expect at your first or second session.