What Questions Should I Ask the Best Physical Therapist in My Area?

With these being almost 250,000 physical therapists in the US, you’re spoiled for choice if you’re looking for one! These licensed professionals have worked hard to excel in their careers and become trusted, and there are bound to be some in your area.

However, understandably, you want to be sure you’re picking the best physical therapist you possibly can.

To make sure they’re great — and the right fit for you — ask these questions.

Do You Have Experience With My Condition?

Although a licensed physical therapist may have experience with a wide range of conditions, you’ll want to make sure they know what they’re doing when it comes to yours.

The experience of a professional therapist will vary because some of them might have experience with things you aren’t suffering from. This doesn’t make them bad physical therapists — only that they may not be right for you.

If, for example, you have a sports injury and want to get back to peak performance, make sure they specifically have experience with sports physical therapy.

How Will This Help?

If you don’t discuss expectations with your therapist, then you may not end with the results you want. Every part of the healthcare industry is unique to the patient, and the results of physical therapy are no different.

Will you be completely cured of your issue in a couple of months? Will you be back to peak performance? Can you expect it to take longer, or never be back at the same place you were before your injury?

It’s important for any licensed physical therapist to be honest and upfront about the results you can expect. Although they might not have a detailed answer at the start of the process, they should have an achievable goal.

How Long Will This Take?

You should also ask exactly how long each part of the process will take.

How long before you see results? How long will your appointments be? You should even ask how many you need to attend — weekly, biweekly, or something else?

What Should I Know?

The last thing you should ask is what you should know. The therapist might have instructions for you in terms of posture or the movements you do at home.

They might give you homework, or they might ask you not to do certain things. With lower back pain, for example, you might need to sit a specific way or refrain from bending down to pick heavy things up.

Ask the Best Physical Therapist These Questions

If you want to be sure you have the best physical therapist around, ask these questions. That way you’ll know they have experience with your condition and you’ll both be on the same page when it comes to the goal you’re aiming for and just how you’re going to get there.

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