Do you suffer from a chronic condition that hampers your movements? Have you recently had an accident? Are you an athlete who was injured and is currently looking to start some rehabilitation?
In each of these cases, working with a physical therapist will help. The role of physical therapists is to enable you to restore optimal health following an injury or a health condition.
But with a plethora of options available out there, how can you select a great professional for your specific needs? This essential guide will illustrate the five most important physical therapist skills that you need to watch out for when choosing your provider.
1. In-Depth Knowledge and Expertise
First of all, a great physical therapist is someone who has completed all the relevant qualifications and training, but there’s more. If you have a specific condition, or are looking to recover from a specific injury, then selecting a provider with expertise in that particular area can help even more.
2. Warm, Personable, Welcoming Attitude
Physical therapy duties involve a lot of close physical contact between you and your provider. For this reason, it’s paramount that they are friendly, relaxed, and welcoming towards you, while of course always maintaining a fully professional approach.
3. Commitment to Your Health Goals
Regardless of how long it might take, or how difficult it might be, a good physiotherapist is someone who cheers you on every step of the way. They will be there to celebrate your wins and progress and encourage you when things don’t seem to go as great and frustration kicks in.
4. Dedication to Ongoing Training
Having completed the required physical therapist education is essential, but the same applies to being committed to continuous learning. Find out whether your physical therapist is regularly taking courses or attending training sessions to improve and upskill their practice. If they do, you have found a great one!
5. Flexibility and Patience
Last but, of course, not least, you’ll want a physical therapist who has plenty of patience and is flexible with you. This means being understanding if life gets in the way of your physical therapy program, causing you to cancel or delay a session. Just make sure that you let them know in advance, and reschedule whenever you are ready.
The Best Physical Therapist Skills to Guide You Towards a Healthier You
Finding a great physical therapist for you means ensuring that they possess all the physical therapist skills that we have listed in our guide.
From being positive and warm to encourage you to reach your goals, from expertise to ongoing training and learning, once you find a therapist who ticks all these boxes you will be one step closer to a happier, healthier you.
Do you have any more questions, or are you ready to start working with a fantastic physical therapist to support your holistic health? Then, contact the team at GinaV Physical Therapy today!
