PTs are movement experts, and are qualified to diagnose and treat movement disorders. They perform comprehensive physical evaluations, and design treatment plans to restore movement and reduce pain.
The article discusses tips about selecting the best physical therapy in Chicago, emphasizing considerations like expertise, location, patient reviews, insurance coverage, and personalized treatment plans for optimal rehabilitation.
1. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Patients who suffer from chronic pain often turn to physical therapy for help. Whether it is for improved mobility, increased strength, or a reduction in dependency on high-dose prescription medications, physical therapy has been praised by the CDC as a crucial part of treating many different conditions.
While traditional medical education emphasizes error-free practice, research shows that open communication is critical to effective care. In fact, communication failures can lead to adverse events in the hospital setting.
With that in mind, PT practices should be mindful of the tone they use when communicating with patients. Whether it’s email, phone call, or social media update, the method and timing of a message is crucial.
A personalized approach that focuses on the patient’s needs, while avoiding political and medical bias, will likely resonate more effectively. Providing telehealth options is also an essential way to keep in touch with patients. It can decrease traffic in your clinic and provide peace of mind for those who may not feel comfortable attending in-person.
2. Schedule Regular Appointments
Your physical therapist will instruct you on how to perform therapy exercises at home in between in-clinic sessions. Follow their advice and schedule regular time to perform your at-home exercises to maintain the progress you’ve made. Make sure to communicate any pain or setbacks with your PT during these times as well.
Your first visit will include a thorough initial evaluation and an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, and what can be done to relieve them. Be prepared to bring a list of questions and concerns, as well as any information related to your current medical history.
3. Stay Active
Whether you have a physical injury or not, regular exercise is essential to maintaining good health. A physical therapist can help you stay active by providing one-on-one instruction and guidance when it comes to workouts, and how to work them into your schedule without taking up too much of your day.
They are also great at recognizing your limits and ensuring you don’t push yourself too hard. This is especially important if you have an injury or condition that makes exercising painful and uncomfortable.
They will show you exercises that target the whole body, instead of just a few problem areas. This can make your workouts more effective and give you better results, making it easier to stick with your fitness goals. They will also provide you with the motivation and encouragement you need to keep going when it gets tough. This will prevent you from giving up and never getting back in shape again.
4. Stay Motivated
Once you have started your physical therapy program, it is important to keep up with your appointments. This is especially true if you are working toward long-term goals. When you set up your initial evaluation, make sure to discuss your expectations and desired timeframes with your physical therapist. This will help them develop a realistic plan for you to succeed.
It is also helpful to stay motivated by setting up short and long-term goals for yourself. Studies show that people are more likely to stick with their workout or PT plans when they write down their goals and place them somewhere they can see them. In addition, it can be helpful to reward yourself when you reach your goal. Whether it is a new workout outfit, a massage or something else, it can be great motivation to continue to work hard.
If you need help staying motivated, consider enlisting the support of a friend or family member to hold you accountable for attending your appointments and doing your at-home exercises. You can also try keeping a journal to track your progress or use an app that tracks your workouts and milestones.