3 Easy Ways to Know if Your Physical Therapist is Well Trained
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who are specialized in helping patients recover from immobility that results from injuries, diseases, or surgeries. Rehabilitation is an important element on your journey to recovering from an injury or surgery and getting you back to how you were before. They play a crucial role in maintaining and promoting overall fitness and health.
The demand for physical therapists has been projected to increase by 39% from 2010 to 2020, making it the 30th fastest-growing career in the United States. They are in high demand because of the role they play in promoting the patient’s ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists have therapeutic exercises and functional training as the pillars of their treatment plan.
Some people strike off physical therapy because they were handled by poorly trained physical therapists in the past. I want you to be able to recognize a well-trained physical therapist when next you come across one. You can count on these three easy steps to find the best physical therapist on the planet. This therapist will surely be one that is educated, experienced, and dedicated to working with you to reach wellness.
Physical therapy is a special profession and as such, therapists need to maintain a certain conduct and possess certain qualities for success in their practice. They must be knowledgeable, credible, compassionate, well organized, supportive, and patient while handling patients (no pun intended). Your therapist must clearly explain treatment programs, motivate you and give ears to your concerns.
3 EASY WAYS TO KNOW IF YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST IS WELL TRAINED:
1. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Before deciding to work with a particular therapist, it is good you first understand and evaluate their credentials and educational background. The amount of time in practice and additional certifications is a reliable indicator of expertise.
It is important you find out if the therapist’s area of specialization suits your condition. A good physical therapist will not hide information about what types of treatment they offer and whether they have experience and are equipped to handle your case.
If your care is not provided by a licensed physical therapist, it may be time to find a new therapist. A hands-on approach is very important in physical therapy and so a well-trained therapist should be well equipped in this area. A good therapist should know how to properly use athletic tape to maintain a stable position of bones and muscles.
2. SHOULD BE ETHICALLY PROFESSIONAL:
After education and experience, this factor is of utmost importance in identifying a well-trained physical therapist. A therapist should be able to make you comfortable around them and have you as their topmost priority during therapy sessions.
Patients may sometimes feel vulnerable and embarrassed during their treatment and recovery. A therapist who knows his stuff will find a way to ease their nerves. They will provide a conducive environment for your rehabilitation.
A comfortable patient will be more cooperative when it comes to listening to instructions and following through with the therapist’s advice.
3. WELL TRAINED THERAPISTS COMBINE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE TREATMENTS:
A therapist who only carries out passive treatments is one that is not well trained. Yes, passive treatments like ice, heat, stim, traction, and ultrasound are an important component of your physical therapy program, but they should never be the only part of your treatment plan.
Most research studies indicate that active treatments like exercise and postural correction are needed for many conditions. A well trained therapist can experiment with new equipment and strategies that are most useful for your condition. Your therapist should be able to demonstrate that they’re knowledgeable about current studies and efficient treatment options that are supported by evidence.
While passive treatments tend to make you dependent on your physical therapist, active treatments help you gain control over your situation.
If the majority of your time with a therapist is spent sitting there passively with no hands-on approach, that therapist is untrained.
CONCLUSION:
A qualified physical therapist will do all their power to help your recovery. However, you have a role to play in your treatment by giving your therapist feedback on progress made. If you need physical therapy search in your area and then call the therapists or stop by their office to briefly discuss your case. You will quickly learn which therapist has the right treatment plan for you.