What to Look for in a Physical Therapist & Why

It’s National Physical Therapy month!

There are many Physical Therapy clinics out there vying for our attention, but how does one choose?  For me, I was in need of a major surgery and learned that if I chose poorly for my rehab, my teni-runners would become door-stops. I needed to do some sleuthing and start asking questions. I opted to begin by asking two friends of mine what I needed in a Physical Therapist and why ~ I trusted they might know a thing or two, as two previous U.S. presidents, while in office, had them as their PT’s. Here’s what I learned.

First Off ~ Credentials. Look for a physical therapist with high credentials.  Find one that has their doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) and has attended a reputable PT school.

Why? Because Education is KEY.

Yes, ALL of Move Better’s therapists are DPT’s and have attended reputable schools.

Number two ~ Certifications. Find a therapist that is a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in physical therapy (OCS). This one is difficult as only 6.9% of PT’s nationwide have this certification; it takes due diligence and years to achieve. Why does this matter? — Let’s define orthopedics – Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that works with the correction and prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. For a patient, this OCS credential means that the therapist has spent 2000+ hours in the area of orthopedics and has undergone a rigorous exam given by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in order to become board certified.

Why? Because rigorous training (overseen by the APTA) is essential for proper rehab. 

And yes, the eligible Move Better physical therapists meet this qualification.

Lastly ~ Quality of Care.  Ensure that the therapist will work hands-on, one-on-one, at your EVERY visit without the use of aides/extenders/PT assistants; liking them (my input) would be a bonus!

Why? Because a highly trained, DPT, board certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist in physical therapy, that works one-on-one with a patient at EVERY visit, allows for the best possible outcome. 

Yep, Move Better’s highly trained DPT’s, work hands-on, one-on-one, at EVERY visit with their “patient” to get them back to doing what they love … and they make PT fun – bonus!

I chose wisely, and my first race back was — glorious!   You too have a choice . . . choose wisely!

~ Tabitha – a former Move Better patient