How to Choose the Right Physiotherapist for You: What You Need to Know
There are many reasons why someone may require a trip to a physiotherapist. Especially as we age and often suffer from increasing joint problems.
Sometimes, you may need a few sessions to help your body recover from a traumatic injury like a broken bone.
Other times, you may require ongoing treatment for health issues.
No matter what your reason for seeking out a physiotherapist may be, you need to make sure that you choose the right physiotherapist for you and your situation, and this post is here to help with that.
Consider their location
Of course, the first thing you need to keep in mind when selecting your physiotherapist is where they are located. After all, it doesn’t help much to find a great physiotherapist who lives very far away.
Physiotherapy is a practice best done in person, so you need to make sure that you can conveniently get to your physiotherapist’s offices when you have an appointment.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to look for specialists that operate in the area where you live. For example, if you live in Broadmead, BC, Broadmead Physiotherapy is a good option.
Ask for recommendations
The first thing you should do when you look for a physiotherapist is to try to find someone who comes recommended. After all, you will likely want to make sure that your physiotherapist knows what they’re doing.
The best way to find a good physiotherapist recommendation is to ask your doctor for a referral, as they will likely know multiple physiotherapists and be able to guide you to one who can assist you.
Alternatively, ask your friends and family members for recommendations, or look at their reviews online to get a better idea of what to expect.
Think about their specialty
While all physiotherapists will undergo the necessary education that allows them to treat patients, some physiotherapists may specialize in certain fields.
For example, some physiotherapists may specialize in sports therapy, so if you have a sports-related injury, they may be the best option for assistance.
Similarly, some physiotherapists may also have additional skills that could be helpful for you.
Many physiotherapists can also do acupuncture, so if that’s something you’re interested in, be sure to find a physiotherapist whose skills overlap with your need.
Acupuncture is used for many things, including helping mothers after birth.
Make sure you feel comfortable with them
Every physiotherapist will have a different personality and a different way of approaching their clients and their treatments. This is why you need to find a physiotherapist that you feel comfortable with.
After all, physiotherapists often get very up close and personal with their clients and may have to physically touch your body to help you with certain exercises, so you need to feel comfortable around them.
It can take you a while to find a physiotherapist you like.
If you always feel nervous or uncomfortable in medical situations, you may want to click here to learn about some tips that can help you manage fear at the doctor’s office.
Look at their fees
Finally, you need to consider their fees. Physiotherapy generally is quite expensive, but different physiotherapists will have different fees, so that’s something to keep in mind.
You should also consider whether your physiotherapy will be covered by your health insurance.
Some health insurance providers won’t cover any physiotherapy, others may cover a portion of it, and others may only cover the costs if you use a physiotherapist in their database.
It’s always a good idea to get this information beforehand so that you aren’t faced with any unexpected expenses down the road.
Give it time
Finally, you won’t know if you’ve chosen the right physiotherapist until you’ve had a session with them. A physiotherapist can come highly recommended and have all the necessary qualifications and experience, and not be the right fit for you.
That being said, you can’t expect results overnight.
Physiotherapy is often a long and painful process, so don’t give up on your physiotherapist if you don’t see results from your first session, or even if you experience some pain and discomfort.
Try to have at least a few sessions with one physiotherapist before you make a decision.
In conclusion
While choosing a physiotherapist may not seem like a choice that will greatly impact your life, the truth is that it’s a very important decision.
Depending on how severe your injury is, it may take months to recover, and some patients end up spending the rest of their lives regularly visiting their physiotherapist for assistance.
Of course, if you end up with a physiotherapist that isn’t the right fit, it’s not the end of the world; you can always change physiotherapists later on.
That being said, try to find a good physiotherapist as soon as possible to help you with your recovery.
