People choose to take part in a physiotherapy program for a variety of reasons. Many people turn to this type of therapy because they desire freedom from chronic pain. Others hope for better range of motion, and some simply want to reach their strength/fitness goals. Some lesser-known issues that individuals receive physiotherapy for include headaches, urinary incontinence, vertigo, concussion, and jaw pain.
What are your reasons for seeking out a physiotherapy program?
Pursuing Physiotherapy: How to Take the First Step
Once you’ve made the decision to move forward with your pursuit of physiotherapy, you must make an appointment with a physiotherapist. (It’s sometimes necessary to see a general practitioner first. He or she may refer you to a physiotherapist. But, in most cases, you won’t need a referral.) At your appointment, the physiotherapist will go over your medical history thoroughly and evaluate you physically. Once he or she has assessed you, the physiotherapist will design a treatment program specifically for your needs.
Let’s say you are referred to a physiotherapist or choose one at random. Does that mean you have to stay with that particular healthcare professional? Of course not! You, the patient, can make a choice about what physiotherapist to work with. You may have to meet with a couple of therapists before you find one whom you are comfortable with and feel confident in.
How to Choose the Right Physiotherapist
Here are a few questions to ask yourself that will hopefully help you find a physiotherapist who can meet your needs…
- “Where is the physiotherapy office located?” – The location of a physiotherapy office is important. This is particularly true if you will be attending sessions more than once or twice a week. Try to find a facility that is relatively close to you. That way, you will be more encouraged to attend all of your sessions.
- “Do I like my physiotherapist?” – If you had to choose between a physiotherapist who you liked very much OR one who had lots of experience and education, it would be best to choose the more experienced individual. But, you should also have good rapport with your physiotherapist. The good news is, you can find a physiotherapist who is both highly skilled and likeable. All of these types of healthcare professionals must hold a Master’s degree in kinesiology, physiotherapy, sports medicine, or a similar subject. Because of this, most physiotherapists are quite knowledgeable about almost any condition that can be treated by physiotherapy. However, some have more expertise in specific fields than others. Weigh out your options, but do try to locate a physiotherapist whom you are comfortable with. After all, you’ll be working with him or her regularly for a potentially long period of time.
- “How long does a physiotherapy session last?” – Individuals seeking the services of a physiotherapist should be educated about how long a physiotherapy session usually lasts. Depending upon a patient’s condition, a typical physiotherapy session may last anywhere from 30-60 minutes. After an initial evaluation, a physiotherapist can let you know how long your specific therapy sessions will last.
There are many exceptional physiotherapists, some of them near you. Do a little research and put some effort into finding the right physiotherapist, and you’ll see great results.