Choosing a Therapy Clinic

Things to Look for in a Physical Therapy Clinic

You’ve injured your back doing yard work. Nine holes too many over the weekend has left your shoulder aching and intolerable. A friendly game of basketball with your kids leaves you with a swollen, painful knee. After a few days and no relief in sight, you begrudgingly set an appointment with your physician. The doctor gives you a quick examination and recommends you see a physical therapist. On the return trip home you pass at least four therapy clinics. Which one is best for you? How do you decide?

All physical therapists graduate from an accredited university and are licensed by the state. They are required to continue their education regularly to keep their license current. Physical therapist assistants graduate with an associate’s degree, usually from a community college. Therapy aides receive on the job training from the licensed professionals to assist with patient set-up and exercise programs. Most clinics have a mix of therapists, assistants, and aides to provide quality care to their patients.

Here are some questions to consider if you as the patient have some say in where you attend physical therapy ---

1. How many patients does the physical therapist work with simultaneously?

2. How much of your treatment can you expect to be supervised by the support staff (assistants, aides)?

3. Does the clinic focus on passive modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat) or active exercise, manual techniques, and functional activities?

4. Will you be given a home program to perform throughout the treatment and once you’ve completed therapy?

5. Will the therapist set aside an adequate amount of time to educate you about your condition and how you can help yourself?

Physical therapy can be an effective way to help you recover from an injury or surgery. Finding a clinic that will provide you the best service and most effectively instruct you how to help yourself will insure the best possible outcome.