Like other health professionals, physiotherapists are governed by strict standards and have different areas of expertise. You may need to visit a physiotherapist for a specific health condition or to recover from an injury. Selecting a poor physiotherapist may result in delayed treatment outcomes, an increase in treatment cost, and a potential feeling of frustration.
Here is a list of 5 things that you should consider while selecting a physiotherapist:
- 1. Qualification: It is vital to check that the physiotherapist is fully qualified, registered, and accredited. The physiotherapist is required to have a completed degree from an approved institution or university. It is essential to check the qualification of your physiotherapist before you begin your treatment.
- 2. Specialization: Physiotherapy covers a wide area. It is thus crucial to visit a physiotherapist with relevant qualifications for the particular problem. Below mentioned are some of the areas of expertise for a physiotherapist:
- Spine and head injuries
- Cardiovascular
- Sports injury
- Mental health
- Respiratory problems
- Ergonomics
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Pregnancy
- Geriatric
It is important to choose the correct area of expertise before considering the treatment for a particular condition.
- 3. Treatment methods: Depending on your specific health condition, you may require alternative treatment instead of traditional therapy. Traditionally, physiotherapists usually used massage, manipulation, electrotherapy, and movements; however, other more alternative techniques have been implemented, showing excellent results. Many physiotherapists offer alternative treatments options these might include:
- Hydrotherapy
- Reflexology
- Cranio-sacral therapy
- Acupuncture
- Reiki
- Bowen techniques
- Neuro-structural integration
- Shiatsu
- 4. Availability: If the rest of the criteria for selecting a physiotherapist are met, but the physiotherapist is not available when you need an appointment, it may not be suitable for you. When you are in pain, waiting is the last thing that you need. In such a scenario, it is critical to get treatment immediately. Hence, always ask about the schedule, workload, and appointments. It is good to know if the physiotherapist will provide an emergency appointment if you need one. Small practices may offer impeccable treatment but may have appointment issues. On the other hand, larger practices can handle availability issues with ease.
- 5. Accessibility: Accessibility is an important criterion that needs to be considered when long-term treatment or regular sessions are required. Driving or traveling long distances is not advisable when you have musculoskeletal problems, cardiovascular disorders, or recovering from surgery or injury. It would be best if you find a physiotherapist that is close to your work or home. Moreover, other factors you need to consider are ease of access via public transport, parking availability, wheelchair accessibility.
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