When you are looking for a Physical Therapist, you will need to determine a few important facts. You should be certain that your Physician is in agreement with your decision and agrees to refer you to a PT Clinic. And you should also be certain that the Physician has an understanding of rehabilitation therapy.
Before you make a referral, talk to your Physician about whether you can be treated by a physical therapist and if they will refer you. If they say that you cannot, they may only be referring you to a PT Clinic that is in their network. Once you have determined the Physician that you will be referred to, talk to them again to find out their level of knowledge about rehabilitation therapy.
PTs must be Licensed Practical Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). In order to practice Rehabilitation Therapy in some States, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor is required. A PT must complete a course in rehabilitation therapy under the supervision of a registered therapist.
This course of study includes a two-hour class that provides the physical therapist with specific information about the psychology of the individual. Your Physical Therapist will learn how to work with the mind of the patient and the emotions. The course also includes knowledge about the body of the individual and how the body reacts to stress.
Part of the class work will include learning how to control and teach breathing techniques. The PT will also learn how to use various types of body mechanics to assess the body’s needs. The PT will then teach the patient how to do stretches and exercises that will strengthen and maintain flexibility.
While a Physical Therapist can work in a professional setting, there are other circumstances in which they could work as well. For example, a Physical Therapist could work as a Family Therapist for someone who wants to start their ownTherapy Clinic. They would still need to fulfill the requirements that are outlined in the scope of practice for their state.
Once you have decided that you want to work with a Physical Therapist, it is time to meet with them to learn more about the practice. Ask them to tell you how they treat each patient. Find out what methods they use to help them.
Find out how they help patients in different ways. Go over the basic areas of therapy that are covered in their curriculum. You should be able to get a good feel for the scope of practice in their office.
Consider the right style of treatment for your case. Will you want an Individualized Plan? If so, find out what kinds of treatments you will receive and when they will be done.
An Individualized Plan is a form of physical therapy that is tailored to the individual. Patients have many things that are being worked on. Their needs will be considered and then a treatment plan will be created for the patient based on the plan that was designed for that patient.
After the treatment plan is prepared, they are a second time given a Core Values Assessment. The assessment will help you know what you can expect when you go to the PT’s office. At this point, you will know whether the Physician believes that the plan is working for you.
After you have received a Core Values Assessment, you will be ready to discuss with the Physical Therapist and his or her team if you are eligible for any services. You will also be able to have the support that you need to understand the Physical Therapy program. You will be able to be comfortable with your treatment.
