Four things to look for when you start physical therapy

Physical therapy is a core part of a long-term treatment plan for many injuries and conditions. It can also be critical for the recovery process for surgery and other intensive treatments, helping people who have been permanently or temporarily disabled regain basic functionality.

The goal of physical therapy is to use various interventions to help stretch, strengthen and stabilize the musculoskeletal system to achieve pain relief and improve range of motion. To achieve this goal, it is critical to work with the right physical therapist. This is why we’ve provided the following guide to help you determine if a therapist and their practice is the right fit for you.

Make sure your physical therapist has these qualities

No matter what reason you are seeking physical therapy, make sure your therapist:

• Is friendly and caring — An easily overlooked part of treatment is the human touch, and this is doubly true for physical therapy. Make sure he or she makes eye contact, has a warm demeanor that makes you comfortable and clearly communicates treatments to you.

• Is educated and credentialed — Do your research and make sure your physical therapist has received a degree and credentials from accredited schools and organizations.  

• Has a good reputation — Make sure your therapist or clinic has a good reputation by asking around your personal network and reading online reviews. Look for general trends and don’t be too swayed by one or two overly negative experiences you encounter.

• Has experience treating your condition — Different conditions and injuries require different specific treatments, so don’t be afraid to ask if your therapist has the experience and skills required to help your particular case.

Trust your instincts and remember that you are always free to seek treatment somewhere else if you feel you are not receiving the care you deserve.

The Advent Physical Therapy difference

At Advent, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional, patient-centered care to everyone who comes to us for relief. We only hire experienced, credentialed, highly-skilled, and most importantly, caring physical therapists who work with our patients on a one-on-one basis to deliver personalized care. For over two decades, we’ve been helping patients across western Michigan find relief and a better quality of life.

Learn more about how we can help you and schedule your initial appointment when you contact us today.