Physical therapists are experts in treating pain and restoring your functional abilities after surgery or an injury. If you have an injury, visiting a physical therapist can actually decrease recovery time or prevent you from needing surgery in the future. However, it is important to get the best physical therapy services possible. Asking questions of
your physical therapist before making an appointment will ensure that you have an excellent physical therapy experience.

1. How much experience do you have?

Get a sense for how long a potential physical therapist has been practicing. Someone fresh out of school may have updated knowledge of best practices, but experienced physical therapists often achieve better outcomes.

2. How many patients with my type of problem have you treated? What were their outcomes?

Some physical therapists specialize in a certain type of injury or body area while others are generalists. Ask how many patients they have treated with your specific problem as well as their progress toward goals. You can also ask whether your physical therapist thinks a specific goal (e.g., pain reduction, functional independence) is reasonable for your situation.

3. Do you accept my insurance?

Most insurance plans cover physical therapy services for a variety of injuries. However, insurance providers often specify in-network physical therapists; it will cost you more to go to an out-of-network provider. Ask your physical therapist’s office if they accept your insurance, and verify the number of sessions that are covered by your insurance provider.

4. How many patients do you see at a time?

Our orthopedic specialists know that devoting time and energy to each patient is the best way to promote healing. To ensure you receive the individualized attention you deserve, ask how many patients your physical therapist sees at a time.

5. Will my care be performed by a physical therapy assistant or aide?

Some physical therapists use paraprofessionals to assist them in providing services to patients. A physical therapy assistant is a licensed professional who has completed extensive training in the delivery of physical therapy services. These professionals often provide patient care under the direct supervision of the physical therapist. A physical therapy aide, in contrast, should not be providing direct patient care as this is not a licensed position. Although a physical therapy aide may prepare you for treatment, he or she should not directly deliver the treatment.

If you need physical therapy, contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists today for a consultation, individual treatment planning and a compassionate approach to physical therapy.