5 Questions To Ask Your Physical Therapist Prior To Treatment 

Whether you are new to a physical therapist or are considering getting a new Doctor of physical therapy, there are some questions you should ask. You can also learn how to choose the right physical therapist and have a good relationship with them.  

Considering that it’s not uncommon for the average professional to get a few bumps and bruises every so often, a little help from Physical therapy professionals every now and again is a good idea. Physical therapists will play an increasingly larger role in the near future. For instance, a therapist could assist an athlete in overcoming the dreaded “scar tissue” which inhibits movement. If you’re a competitive athlete, it’s a good idea to see your therapist yearly. A good therapist will not only make you feel better but can also improve your sports performance.

A good relationship between you and your therapist before treatment is one of the biggest predictors of whether you will succeed in your Sports physical therapy or any other treatment. However, having a good therapist can be easier said than done.

Below mentioned are five questions to ask your physical therapist before treatment:

1. How Long Will It Take To See Noticeable Results?

While you’re at it, you’ll need to ensure you aren’t overdoing it out of eagerness to get well as soon as possible. Getting Physical therapy assistant will help you in the right direction. You might have to spend a bit more time than you’d like, but you’ll be rewarded with improved health and fitness for years to come. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

You may have to make several visits before you’re finally done. Please ask your doctor about the recovery time so that you can plan your life accordingly. The benefit of a physical therapist is that they will develop a customized program based on your needs, fitness level, and health history.

2. Do They Accept Insurance Payments?

Getting reimbursed for out-of-network therapists can be a challenge. This is because they may charge you more than the insurance company would pay. Also, they may require you to pay upfront, and they may not accept insurance payments.

Fortunately, there are a few tips to help you get reimbursed for out-of-network therapy. First, determine if your insurance plan is valid with the physical therapy clinic you are visiting and for out-of-network benefits. You can find out by visiting the website of your health insurance provider.

3. Can You Reach out to Them Between Sessions, If Needed?

Whether you’ve been in therapy for a while or in treatment for just a few weeks, reaching out to your therapist between sessions can help strengthen your therapeutic relationship. In addition to providing expert guidance, talking with your therapist can help you resolve issues you may be having.  

Your therapist can make you feel heard, help you to overcome emotional challenges, and improve your life. But it’s not always easy to reach out to your therapist; therefore, make sure you can reach out to them when necessary or urgent.

4. What Precautions to Follow When Using a Physical Therapy Device?

Using a physical therapy device is an activity that requires some caution. Aside from the usual precautions, a therapist may prescribe special devices for home use to augment or extend a patient’s program. While you are at it, be sure to wear a seatbelt.

A good physical therapist can show you the best equipment used. They may also have a list of resources for additional information. The best way to determine a therapist’s recommendations is to ask questions and seek unbiased information.

5. How to properly use a physical therapy device?

The physical therapist will provide guidelines for doing exercises at home for Physical therapy for back pain. They’ll also suggest special footwear and equipment you can use at home. It’s important to discuss this with your therapist about the equipment as they may suggest the proper usage.

The physical therapist may have a list of equipment to recommend or may have the equipment onsite. They may even recommend specific exercise methods for specific patients. Visiting a Physical therapy clinic for exercise is also recommended.

Finding the Right Therapist?

Choosing the right therapist before treatment is a big step. A good therapist will respect your choices and never pressure you into therapy. When you find the right therapist, you can work together on a plan to improve your life. The first step in finding the right therapist is researching the therapists in your area. You can use Google or other search engines, websites, and Yelp-like databases, or ask for family or friend referrals. Your friends and family might have worked with a therapist that was a good fit for them. You can also ask your primary care provider for referrals.

Key Takeaways

During your first visit with a physical therapist, you’ll want to ask a few questions to ensure you get the best care possible. This will help you determine the best course of action for your condition and will help you avoid setbacks. Knowing what to ask physical therapy professionals can help you understand the treatment and help you know the steps to take to heal quicker and more fully.

Author Bio

Robert Drake has been working as the lead Marketing Manager at Discover Optimal Healthcare, an integrated physical and regenerative medicine center with medical, physical therapy, and chiropractic departments for our patients. He has been dedicated to offering the absolute best quality of services for your health to restore your well-being fully.