Physical therapy can be a great way to relieve pain, improve mobility and prevent further injury. But it’s not always easy to know what to expect from your first session. To help you get the most out of your physical therapy, we have put together a list of questions to ask your physical therapist.
5 Questions to ask about physical therapy:
- What is physical therapy?
- What are the goals of physical therapy?
- What are some common treatments/therapies used in physical therapy?
- Are there any risks associated with physical therapy?
- What are the common side effects of physical therapy?
19 Questions to ask about the physical therapist:
- What are your qualifications?
- Are you licensed in this state?
- Do you have experience treating patients with my condition?
- Do you have experience treating patients with my demographic characteristics (age, gender, etc.)?
- Do you have additional certifications or specialized training in treating my condition?
- What is your philosophy regarding physical therapy and treatment?
- What is your approach to pain management during PT?
- Do you use alternative therapies in addition to traditional PT methods?
- Do you belong to any professional organizations?
- Have you published articles or books about this condition?
- How many patients do you see per day?
- What are your treatment methods?
- Do you use any modalities or special techniques?
- What are your office hours?
- Where is your office located and how accessible is it?
- What is the best way to contact you?
- Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
- Do you have brochures or other materials that I can take home?
- What are your weaknesses as a physical therapist?
31 Questions to ask your physical therapist about the treatment:
- What is causing my pain?
- What are the long-term effects of my condition?
- What can I do to prevent my condition from getting worse?
- Are there lifestyle changes I should make to improve my overall health?
- How long will it take for me to feel better?
- What is the extent of your experience treating patients with my condition?
- What are your success rates for patients with my condition?
- How many treatments will I need?
- How often will I need to come in for sessions?
- How long will each session last?
- How much does PT cost?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of physical therapy?
- Do you offer any discounts or financial assistance?
- Are there any other costs associated with the treatment, such as for supplies or equipment?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What should I wear to my sessions?
- What should I bring to my sessions?
- How will I know if the physical therapy is working?
- What can I do at home to support my physical therapy?
- Do I need special equipment for treatment at home?
- When can I expect results from physical therapy?
- Can you give me a list of references?
- Are there any exercises or activities I should avoid during my recovery?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of the treatment?
- What happens if my condition does not improve?
- What other treatment options do I have?
- What are the opening hours of your practice and can you accommodate my schedule?
- If I need to see a specialist, can you refer me to someone in your network?
- What is your policy for cancellations and rescheduling appointments?
- I am pregnant/ I have a pre-existing medical condition – will this affect my treatment?
- Is there anything else I should know or ask about my injury or condition?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about physical therapy?
What makes physical therapy unique is that it helps improve mobility, reduces pain, and increases the quality of life. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses a variety of techniques to restore or improve movement and function. Physical therapy can be used to treat a variety of issues, including sports injuries, arthritis, back pain, and neurological conditions.
What are the most important skills for a successful physical therapist?
A successful physical therapist must be able to effectively treat patients while providing support and motivation. They must have a detailed knowledge of the human body and how it works, as well as strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat injuries. Physical therapists must also be able to communicate well and be able to effectively explain treatment plans and therapies to their patients.
How do you know if your physical therapist is good?
A good physical therapist will be able to help you recover from an injury or surgery. They will also be able to provide relief from chronic pain. You can tell if your therapist is good by how much progress you make in a short time. If you are not making progress, it may be time to change therapists.
Conclusion
By asking your physical therapist the right questions, you can ensure that you get the most out of your physical therapy sessions and achieve the best possible treatment results. If you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to bring them up during your first consultation or at your next session!
