There are around 38,800 physical therapy clinics in the U.S, which means there are plenty of options to choose from.
Finding the perfect clinic is essential for accelerating your healing process and working with the best in healthcare. But, if you’re new to the world of physical therapy, it’s difficult knowing how to find the right facility for you. Maybe that’s why you’re here; you’re on the hunt for a physical therapy clinic and need a nudge in the right direction.
Sounds like you? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn how to choose the best physical therapy clinic for your needs.
Understand Your Needs
Before hunting for the ideal physical therapy practice, it’s important to know your needs. Hone in on the area that’s causing your pain, whether it’s in your back or knee. This will give you an idea of what specialist you need and help narrow down your list.
Note, if you’re in 10/10 pain, go to the hospital immediately as you likely need medical attention instead of physical therapy.
Ask Around for Recommendations
If you haven’t already, ask around for recommendations. The best place to start is with your physician, as they’ll likely suggest physical therapy for an injury. Doctors should have a list of reputable physical therapists in the area who specialize in the area of concern.
You should also contact your friends and family who are in a similar situation. Perhaps they’ve recently suffered a similar injury and can’t recommend their physical therapist enough. The beauty of using word-of-mouth is that you’ll get honest feedback and it helps you steer clear of the less credible ones.
Further, read patient testimonials on the practice’s site. A good facility will have a collection of positive reviews to sift through. If not, that’s a major red flag, as it means that they either have few patients or the practice isn’t functioning too well.
Prioritize Location
Although it may not be your first concern, you should factor in the location of the physical therapy office. This is because you’ll spend a chunk of time in therapy, so you ideally want somewhere close to your home and workplace. If your dream physical therapist is far away, then only schedule appointments on days when you can leave work early or when you’re free.
Consider Your Insurance Plan
Anyone who seeks treatment for an injury should consider insurance during their search. It’s wise to contact physical therapists who are covered by your healthcare; otherwise, you’ll pay out-of-pocket. Also, many clinics require a copayment, so ask the practice for an estimate and you can see whether it aligns with your budget.
Look at the Practice’s Credentials
As you search for a physical therapist, check their website to learn more about their credentials. Make sure that the candidate is a specialist in your area of concern and has regular training. Don’t worry if you can’t find any credentials listed online; simply, call the center and ask about it.
Also, you should avoid practices that are too generalized, as they likely can’t offer the best service.
Take a Tour of the Facility
Before choosing a physical therapist, take a tour of the facility because you won’t get the same feeling when you’re only online. The staff should be welcoming and the practice should be spotless, as it shows that they’re professional. You should also check if there’s adequate private treatment space and if it seems organized.
Further, ask the team about the equipment. Although it doesn’t need the most cutting-edge technology, it should be in good condition and pristine, as it shows that the practice wants to give its patients the best help.
Ask Questions
When you visit the practice, come prepared with a list of questions to ask the physical therapist.
For instance, ask the physical therapist whether you’ll see the same professional each week or whether you’ll be treated by an assistant. Note, most practices will offer one-on-one treatment or sessions, depending on what you prefer.
You should also ask about how much time each session is as that can alter the price. Most will be around 30 to 40 minutes because it offers a good balance for both parties. But don’t be put off by practices that offer longer sessions, because they may be necessary for your situation.
Also, ask yourself whether you enjoy the physical therapist’s company. You want to be treated by someone you’re comfortable with, especially if you’re being treated for weeks or months. And make sure that the physical therapist is open and honest about your situation as it’s key to the healing process.
And, if you haven’t already, have a deep dive into the physical therapist’s experience. Find out how many years they have under their belt and whether they receive regular training. You should also talk about the worst-case scenario, such as not processing your healing, as a reputable physical therapist will have a backup plan.
But make sure that you’re honest with yourself during the interview. If you notice any red flags or don’t think the physical therapist is trustworthy, reach out to another professional because you don’t want to gamble with your health.
Find a Physical Therapy Clinic Today
Hopefully, you’ll now find a physical therapy clinic for your needs.
There are many ways to do this, such as asking your network for recommendations and factoring in the practice’s location. You should also take a tour of the facility and come equipped with the right questions. Good luck with your search!
Found this post useful? Great! Then, check out the rest of the blog for more helpful tips and tricks.
