7 Things You Should know about Physical Therapy

7/30/2019 7 Things You Should know about Physical Therapy

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The time period ollowing the realization that you needorthopedic surgery can be quite overwhelming. Youneed to make sure that your personal and pro essionalobligations are in order, that you can make the best useo your insurance coverage, and that you choose the right

physician, surgeon and physical therapist.

The most important thing to remember in this situation isthat ultimately, YOU are the head o your personal healthcare team, and are entitled to choose the most appropriatehealth care pro essionals to meet your personal healthgoals. What ollows below are 7 points that will help you

eel confdent in this role, and will help you choose aphysical therapist devoted to helping you return to optimalcondition ollowing your injury.

1. Understand What Physical Therapy IS And What It Is NOT!

Physical Therapy is an approach to treatment o joint,muscle, nerve, and bone problems that is geared to relieveor eliminate pain, improve range o motion, improvestrength, and optimize an individuals ability to move and

unction in all aspects o li e.

Physical Therapy involves a comprehensive evaluationo an individual that includes taking a detailed history o the individuals problems, goals or treatment, and

medical issues. A detailed neuromuscular and unctionalexamination o the individual is then made to determinethe cause and best treatment or the persons problem.

Physical Therapy treatments include manual techniquessuch as joint and so t tissue mobilization, manipulation,and massage. Therapeutic exercises and activities toimprove motion and strength, relieve pain, and improve

unction are always an integral part o a Physical Therapy Program. Prevention, posture, and ergonomic educationhelps individuals receiving Physical Therapy to improve ormaintain the results achieved in treatment.

Physical Therapy (PT) is NOT pain and torture. Althoughmany injuries and post-surgical conditions by their natureare pain ul, appropriate Physical Therapy treatmentsshould be designed to relieve symptoms and improve

your unction to speed your recovery. Physical Therapy

treatments o ten involve e ort on the part o the patient,but no pain, no gain has very little role in quality Physical Therapy intervention.

2. Who Is a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapists (PTs) are health care pro essionals who evaluate, diagnose and treat people o all ages withmedical and post-surgical problems or other health relatedconditions that limit their ability to move and per orm

unctional activities in their daily lives.

PTs must have a graduate degree rom an accreditedphysical therapy program be ore taking the state licensureexamination. The minimum educational requirement is amasters degree, yet most educational programs now o erthe doctor o physical therapy (DPT) degree.

Although some insurance companies require a physicianre erral or payment, therapists with direct access licensurecan see patients without the need or a re erral.

3. Understand Your Rights as a Patient.

Again, remember that you are the head o your healthcare team, and that you have a choice when it comes toselecting the physical therapist that best suits your needs.

Your doctor will o ten make recommendations regarding where you receive physical therapy, but the decision o where you go is ultimately up to you.

In addition to being able to choose your own health careproviders, some o your additional rights as a patientinclude:

Respect rom all personnel throughout your care

Access to in ormation regarding practice policies

7 Things To Know Before Choosing a Physical Therapist

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APTA Standards of Care

Notice of any nancial arrangement between

therapy provider and referral sourceConsultation, evaluation, treatment, and

preventative care in accordance with state andnational regulations

Access to the names, professional status, andeducational credentials of the physical therapist andany other personnel participating in your care

Adequate, clear information in order to be able

to give informed consent prior to initiation of any treatment planThe right to participation in decisions

Understanding of the goals, desired outcomes, and

procedures rendered throughout treatment Access to medical information

Privacy

Safe provision of services

That written permission will be obtained before

any medical records are disclosed to partiesnot participating in your care (except insurancecompanies)

Advance knowledge of any costs associated with

each visit or a missed visit

4. Choose a Therapy Ofce That Meets Your Needs.

Once you understand what physical therapy is, and what

your rights are as a patient, it is now time to start lookingfor a therapy ofce that is right for you. This is much morethan just checking to make sure that the practice offersservices for your particular type of injury or post-surgicalneed. You also need to look at the culture of the practiceitself, its accessibility and ability to work within yourschedule, obligations, transportation needs, etc.

What is the culture of a physical therapy practice? Theculture depends on the therapists, therapist assistants,clerical staff, and even billing assistants. You want to nda devoted set of professionals whose main goal is to work

with you to retain optimal physical condition. Try to nd

a practice that will commit to a devoted therapist that willbe available for each visit. This helps create a much morepersonalized and effective course of treatment for a patient.

Also make sure to choose a physical therapist who makes you feel comfortable. You may need to partially undress forsome forms of therapy. Its important that you can relax.

Lastly, make sure to choose a physical therapy ofce thathas hours and ofce location(s) to match your needs.Quite often, your work schedule may interfere with thehours of physical therapy. If you have a problem takingoff work, you may need to nd a therapy ofce that offersbefore or after work hours. It also helps to make sure thatthe ofce is close to either your home or ofce to make thecommute as quick as possible.

5. Consider the Credentials

Make sure to review the credentials of the physical therapistand the therapy team. This can be confusing becausethe physical therapy profession is undergoing a transitionregarding the degree received by new graduates.

Today, graduates receive either a Doctorate (DPT) or aMasters (MPT) in physical therapy, whereas therapists whograduated several years ago received a Bachelors (BSPT) orMasters (MPT) with a similar level of education.

Many therapists pursue postgraduate credentials, which include earning certication in some 10 areas of specialization such as sports, orthopedics, and manualtherapy.

Be aware of credentials such as physical therapistassistant (PTA). PTAs are the only individuals licensed inPennsylvania to assist your physical therapist with yourcare. Many clinics employ physical therapy technicians oraides who are not licensed to provide physical therapy.

While these individuals may have some practical training,they do not have the educational and clinical qualicationsto perform physical therapy services in Pennsylvania.

Important note: Not all therapists are required to attend

continuing education courses to maintain their state license!

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While this may sound like a limitation, it is actually a greatopportunity: Because continuing education is not a staterequirement, it is a sign of a conscientious, dedicatedtherapist if they keep up with the latest in the industry.Try to nd a therapist devoted to their own personal andprofessional growth through continuing education.

6. Visit the Facility/Ask Around

It is important to evaluate the facility where you will bereceiving your physical therapy services. A good practice

will even encourage you to stop by to visit the facility before your initial consultation visit to acclimate yourself to the set-up and the equipment. Check to make surethe facility is large enough to see patients in comfort andmaintain modesty. Look for individual treatment roomsor curtains that can be pulled to provide a more privatetreatment area. Consider touring two or three facilities priorto deciding where you want to receive therapy.

Finally, ask around! Speak to your friends, physician andfamily, the people you trust, or even a stranger on crutches.If others are satised with their care, then you probably willbe as well.

7. Understand the Physical Therapy Process.

Your rst visit should include an evaluation by thephysical therapist. Your physical therapist will perform anexamination to identify current and potential problems.Based on the results of the examination, and considering

your specic goals, your physical therapist will designa plan of care to include specic interventions and willpropose a timetable to achieve these goals and optimize

your function. Your physical therapist should also provide you with instructions to perform exercises at home tofacilitate your recovery.

You have the right to have access to all informationgathered during your initial session, and to be updatedregularly on the status of your improvement. Physicaltherapy is a mutual arrangement, maintained by both youand your therapy provider.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember, and to never, everforget in any situation involving your personal health, isthat you have the right to choose your own care, and theresponsibility to make sure you get the best care possible.

You should have a therapist who talks through thetreatment process with you and treats you as the decision-maker, and you should always feel comfortable asking

your physical therapist any questions regarding your courseof care, including specics regarding interventions andexpectations.

For more information on the servicesprovided by Reading-Berks Physical Therapy,

visit www.readingberkspt.com.

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7 Things You Should know about Physical Therapy