You wouldn’t just let anyone to babysit your kids, so why would you just let anyone work on your knee pain? Finding a good physiotherapist is crucial to your recovery and rehabilitation process. You want to make sure that they are the right choice for you. Physiotherapists work along with you to help you recover and heal from an injury, so it is important to have genuine rapport and trust in them. Research has proven that people who seek therapy early after an injury have shorter recovery periods and are 8 times less likely to develop chronic pain.
When searching for the right physiotherapist, look for a practitioner who cares about achieving results. In order to find a therapist that is the right match for you, you will need to ask them some important questions. Think of it as a job interview. They are selling themselves to you and trying to vie for your business, and ultimately land the “job” as your physio. Before you say “you're hired,” here are nine crucial questions you must ask your physiotherapist.
Would you visit a doctor that wasn’t licensed to practice? Of course not. Similarly, you want to make sure that your therapist is registered with the college of their respective province after they have met standardized education and practice standards and have successfully passed all exams. Beware of non-registered individuals, who merely “do physio” - they are not genuinely licensed physiotherapists.
#2 How long do I have to wait to schedule for an appointment?
As quickly or as early as possible. Early intervention is critical to a speedy recovery. Studies have shown that people who receive treatment right after an injury, have shorter recovery times and are eight times less likely to develop chronic pain.
#3 How will you assess my injury?
During an initial assessment, it is important that your Physiotherapist asks you detailed questions about your injury. They should ask questions about your health history, medical conditions, how you got injured, your level of pain, and your description of the pain. Once they understand the scope of your injury, they will test your range of motion, strength, and joint movement. A good physio will listen carefully and pay attention to every detail before deciding on a treatment plan.
#4 How can I achieve a desirable outcome from the treatment?
Communicating effectively with your physiotherapist is imperative to managing expectations. Your rehabilitation goals should align with your physiotherapist’s treatment goals. It is important that you understand how long treatment will take, the commitment required, and what results you can expect to achieve from the recommended course of treatment.
#5 How many visits will I need?
No two injuries are the same. The amount of time and number of sessions is customized by your physiotherapist. The goal of the physiotherapist should be to recommend a treatment plan that offers both the quickest and most effective recovery outcome. The therapist should tailor the plan to your lifestyle and pocketbook.
#6 What are your clinic hours?
Choose a clinic that has hours of operations that work well with your lifestyle. You shouldn’t have to take time off of work and family life to make it to your treatment session. Many clinics offer flexible extended evening and weekend hours.
#7 What other services does your clinic offer?
Maybe you are only interested in physiotherapy treatments. However, some services (massage, chiropractors, naturopaths) can also complement and be beneficial to your rehabilitation plan. There are many clinics that offer interdisciplinary care; the clinicians work together as a team providing integrated treatments that help you on your road to recovery.
#8 What are my payment options?
In order to avoid surprises, ask your therapist what your payment options. Not everyone can afford supplementary insurance, and not all employers offer physio benefits. Some clinics offer direct billing, allowing you the convenience of not having to submit claims and use out of pocket expenses after each visit.
#9 Do I have to commit right away?
It’s okay to be non-committal. Your health is important, and you don’t want to rush into making the wrong decision. Yes, it’s important to seek treatment for your injury right away, but you need to make sure that you have found a Physiotherapist who fits your needs, lifestyle and rehabilitation goals. Take advantage of clinics that offer a free no-obligation appointment.
It's an excellent opportunity for you to talk to the clinicians, check out the facilities and ask any questions you may have. Remember, treat this process as a job interview. Ask the right questions, gather the information and decide whether or not the physiotherapist is the ideal candidate for the job, the job to get you on the road to recovery!
