After speaking with several patients and other PTs I put together this list of attributes for finding the right PT clinic, enjoy!
1. Treatment by a Physical
Therapist
a. Physical Therapists
are now being educated to a Doctoral level and with that comes a vast amount of
knowledge to assess and treat patients. In my opinion a Physical therapist should
be the primary care giver. Too many clinics are passing off their patient to
the assistant or aide and there is not enough direct contact with the PT. These
places typically look to have high volume and thus distribute their patients
among several employees. I find this unfair to the patient in which they are
now under the guidance of at many times a high school or college student with
minimal experience with rehab. This does not mean an aide or assistant should
not complement the treatment, but simply means that the PT should hold the
majority of one on one contact. I challenge the patient to ask before they
start therapy if they will be with a Physical Therapist at every treatment.
2. One on One
Treatment with the Physical Therapist
a. Again this relates to
the previous topic, but again it is something that really is important for the patient.
Like I said before many clinics opt for higher volume thus having the PT see
3-4 patients at one time. I have seen this and there not even be an aide or tech
on site, so the PT is literally “treating” 3-4 patients at once. How a
specialist in movement and rehabilitation provide adequate care among that many
individuals is beyond me. If you are receiving less that 30 minutes of 1 on 1
time with your Physical Therapist then I suggest you look elsewhere for
physical therapy if you are truly serious about reaching your goals.
3. Attitudes and
Personalities
a. Well we all know
there is nothing like going to a Doctor’s office and being treated by rude
front desk staff or dealing with a stubborn physician, so why should you deal
with a PT clinic any different. You’re in pain and that is the last thing you
need to deal with. I have always been a believer that being positive is half
the battle when trying to recover. Studies have actually shown that those
people who are positive about their treatment and condition have better
outcomes with pain and function. So being able to walk into a clinic and see a
smiling, welcoming face can truly make a difference. This not only goes for the
front office but especially the treating PT. I think it is important to find
someone who not only pushes you physically but can interact socially. This in
turn can motivate you to adhere to home exercises as well as actually looking
forward to PT.
4. Freedom of Choice
a. Lastly, the Final and
most important thing regarding a PT clinic is knowing that you have the choice
of where to go. Many times Doctor’s offices will tell a patient they MUST go to
a SPECIFIC PT clinic. This is simply not true and in fact if referred to as
previously it is illegal. You as a patient have the right to chose where you
will be treated. It is my advice to look up those PTs that are local, look at
their reviews and websites, call and ask questions, and remember that it is
your choice. Finding the right place will keep you on the right track for your
full recovery.
Thanks for reading!
-Alex Bonnette PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Owner and Doctor Physical Therapy
Bonnette Elite Physical Therapy and Wellness
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