You need a physiotherapist, but you have no idea how to choose which one is the best for you.
Depending on your needs, choosing the right therapist shouldn’t be too difficult; but this is a choice that shouldn’t be taken lightly as well.
Going to therapy requires commitment and a hefty investment on your end. You will be spending energy, time, and money during this whole experience to be able to get the results you need to start living the way you want to.
The Right Physiotherapist For You
How exactly do you decide if one physiotherapist would be better for you than the other? Here are some tips to consider before making the right choice:
Check their qualifications and credentials
Just like other professions like a practicing lawyer or a doctor, a physiotherapist must be:
- A University graduate who has taken up physiotherapy
- A board exam passer; someone who has passed the Physiotherapy National Examination
- Of good repute and is registered with their local College of Physiotherapists
Be cautious of people who claim to be physiotherapists, but don’t have anything to back up their claims. They may simply be someone who is trying to gain a quick buck off of people they can easily dupe. If their offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. If you want to be doubly sure of who you are dealing with, head to www.collegept.org and check the physiotherapist’s status.
Making sure you’re about to meet with a licensed physiotherapist is of paramount importance and one that should be taken seriously.
Area of Expertise
There is a reason why you want to meet a physiotherapist so keep in mind to find a professional who will accurately address your issues.
Many physiotherapists specialize in a certain area within their profession. For example, if you complain of chronic back pain, search for a physiotherapist who specializes in musculoskeletal conditions.
It wouldn’t make any sense to meet with a physiotherapist whose area of expertise doesn’t deal with your current health concern; it’s like going to a nutritionist to have your throat checked. Go for one who already has experience treating other patients with similar conditions as yours.
How they intend to treat your condition
Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask about how your health issues will be addressed in the coming appointments. Traditionally speaking, physiotherapists use massage and muscle movement as a form of treatment, though there are clinics that also use other treatments such as acupuncture and reflexology. Some physiotherapists are adept at kinesiology taping so this might also be an alternative treatment in your case.
Also, ask if a treatment will be done by the physiotherapist or by an assistant. Some clinics let assistants handle therapy and if this is an issue for you, find a clinic that will allow you to have one-on-one time with a physiotherapist.
Location and Clinic Vibe
Going to therapy isn’t a one-off thing, as you might be aware of. Most of the time it would take several appointments over a course of weeks (or months!) before a patient experiences progress.
Take a look at the location of the clinic and see if it is situated in an area that is convenient for you to go to. Consider choosing a clinic that is either near your home, office, or school. While this may sound like a minor factor to consider, some treatments may require you to use your body minimally afterward. Driving following therapy might not be the best idea.
Try to feel the overall vibe of the clinic as well. Does it feel homey? Are there too many things going on at once? Is the staff friendly and courteous? Sometimes these things add up to the overall experience of therapy and you should think about what kind of an environment you want your therapy sessions to be in.
It is important that you feel safe and comfortable while you undergo treatment for a stress-free recovery process.
How you feel about the physiotherapist
Most agree that first impressions make a lasting impression, so when you engage with a physiotherapist for the first time, try to size them up a bit and see if their personality will fit yours.
Because physiotherapy is a personal experience, you want to be able to be with a therapist that not only addresses your health concerns but can also build rapport and guide you through therapy in the best possible way. Are they meek and mild in their approach? Do they give off an air of aloofness?
If you feel comfortable with a potential physiotherapist and their proposed therapy plan is one you also agree with, then congratulations!
A Final Word
Choosing the right physiotherapist for you isn’t as hard as it looks, as long as you consider the aforementioned factors mentioned. This is simply the start of your healing process and once you have the right kind of help onboard, you’re sure to jump in with both feet.
