As you would choose a physician to help you with a specific ailment, you need to find a physical therapist (PT) which will compliment your injury. PTs have many types of backgrounds and education from pediatric to neurological (stroke, head injury, spinal cord), to orthopedic. Each therapist in each area of PT is also different. When researching a PT, call a hospital or clinic and ask the following:
- If you want a “seasoned” PT then ask, When did they graduate? Recent graduates may not have all the ‘experience’ yet to treat all diagnoses and progress them efficiently and effectively.
- What is their area of expertise? Ask if the PT specializes in the area for which you are being treated. Many PTs specialize in several areas. If you have knee pain, you want to see a PT who specializes in orthopedics, not pediatrics.
- Does the PT have any specific credentials? Most PTs will take continuing education classes to enhance their own skills. Some programs will allow the PT to earn an advanced certification (OMPT, NDT).
- Will the PT that is assigned to me be the primary treating therapist? If you want direct care from the PT then this needs to be asked. Some facilities ‘pass’ patients to PT Assistants or Athletic Trainers. You could be going to a great PT but if the assistants are performing the majority of your care, then are you? PT Assistants and Athletic Trainers are great assets to PTs. They are educated and licensed to help under the supervision of a PT. Physical Therapy Aides/Technicians are trained on the job and are not licensed. You want to go to a facility that has the PT doing the majority of your treatment.
Know what your insurance covers. There may be some limitations as it relates to physical therapy. Be motivated to work hard to get better. You are not just a patient, you’re an important member of the rehab team.
DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan has over 30 locations throughout southeast Michigan
By: Suzanne Schmidt, MPT and Jon Nettie, PT, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
