If you have recently undergone surgery or have sustained an injury, accident, or illness, physical therapy can play a vital role in reducing your pain and restoring your mobility during the healing process. First, however, you need to find the right certified physical therapist (PT) to ensure the most successful recovery.
Where do you start your search and how do you know whether a particular PT is qualified to address your specific healthcare needs?
Tips To Choose the Best PT
Here are some helpful tips:
Ask Your Doctor for a Referral.
Your primary care physician or family doctor likely works with a network of specialists and can suggest a PT who focuses on treating your condition. While you’re at it, talk with family members, friends, neighbors, or coworkers who may know of a skilled physical therapist from personal experience.
Look for a Therapist Online.
Certified PTs often maintain an online presence either with their own sites or are listed on medical review sites. Search for therapists with special certifications for the therapy techniques relevant to your condition. Specifically, consult the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties website for information about PTs who have advanced clinical knowledge and skills.
Focus on Expertise and Experience.
You’ll want to work with a physical therapist who is not only licensed but also has advanced certification or credentialing. Depending on your specific individual needs, you may require an orthopedic certified specialist (OCS), a women’s health-certified specialist (WCS), or a sports certified specialist (SCS). Experience is just as important. The more experienced a PT is, the more likely you are to achieve your rehabilitative goals.
Be sure that the Clinic the PT is Associated with has the Resources Needed for your Type of Rehabilitation.
If you require aquatic therapy or specific adaptive equipment, for example, contact the clinic and ask if it offers these services and specialized programs, like hand therapy or stroke rehabilitation.
Choose a Conveniently Located Clinic.
Chances are, you will be seeing your physical therapist often. So, make it easier on yourself to keep appointments and expedite your recovery by finding a PT as close to your home or workplace as possible.
Make Sure You and Your Prospective Therapist are Compatible.
It goes without saying that a good rapport between you and your PT will be helpful in your rehabilitation. When first meeting with a potential PT, assess whether they are someone with whom you can easily communicate and feel comfortable confiding in. If not, you can always request another therapist who might better meet your expectations.
Check your Health Insurance Coverage.
Last, but not least, verify how much your insurer covers physical therapy services and whether your chosen clinic accepts your plan, as going with an out-of-network PT will result in higher out-of-pocket costs for you.
Physical Therapist in Mount Ayr, Iowa
At Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa, we have certified and experienced rehabilitation therapists who can provide treatment that is specially designed to your needs and can help you heal better, faster, and more completely.
To find out more about our customized services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more, call our Rehabilitation Department at (641) 464-4428. Or request an appointment using our convenient online form now.
