One size fits all? Part 2: What makes a good PT? Aren’t all therapists the same?

IMG_3930A good physical therapist…

…invests in continuing education- While the majority of states require continuing education credit for continued licensure, some therapists complete only the minimal requirements while others seem to spend every weekend taking courses!  It is reasonable for a patient to inquire about the therapist’s interest in educational topics.  Chances are the PT will be excited to talk about their latest course.

…considers the whole person.  An injury is very rarely limited to the specific joint or muscle that hurts.  A good therapist treats not only the symptoms, but looks for the cause of the injury and understands how dysfunction in one area of the body may contribute to symptoms in a different location.

…draws from a variety of sources and isn’t afraid to learn from others.  Therapists who are willing to collaborate with other practitioners can learn a lot! 

…is directly involved in your care.  Some tasks are acceptable to delegate to a physical therapy aide, but only a physical therapist (PT) or physical therapy assistant (PTA) can perform physical therapy.  If you only see your PT for a few minutes at the beginning or end of your appointment and spend most of your time doing exercises with an aide or independently, you are not receiving quality care.  The foundation of my training and education is my ability to observe dysfunctional patterns of movement and to relate those findings to the patient’s primary complaint.  It has taken me a long time to refine my observational skills and the longer I practice, the better I get.  Guiding a patient through their exercises provides yet another window of observation and completes my assessment of that person’s problem and is not something I’m willing to delegate to someone else.

…revises or progresses your treatment.  If you are not seeing changes in your condition, are doing the same exercises, or receiving the same treatment at every appointment from week one to week six, you need to consider finding a new therapist.

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