You’ve been in pain for a while. Each day the pain gets worse and the Tylenol wears off too quickly. Finally, you call your doctor and he recommends physical therapy.
Your doctor may recommend a particular clinic or therapist. However, you may want to do some research of your own to find one that suits your needs. Through online research, reviews, and talking to friends, you can get a good idea of where you want to go. So, what should you look for to find a good physical therapy clinic?
1. Individualized Treatment
Each person’s body is uniquely different. Although injuries may be the same or similar to others, it doesn’t mean a generalized approach will work for you. You may have an underlying issue that is causing the pain. A physical therapist that uses a cookie-cutter approach to your therapy may overlook this issue, setting you back in fully recovering. A physical therapist that works directly with you and creates a program that specifically targets your areas of weakness will benefit you the most. A cookie-cutter approach to physical therapy could keep you in physical therapy longer than a targeted customized approach. With an individualized program, you will recover quickly and at lower costs, according to a research article published in the journal Spine.
2. Types Of Treatment
It’s also beneficial to search for a clinic that has multiple kinds of treatments. Furthermore, it’s important to make sure that each therapist is specialized and certified in those treatments. After an initial evaluation and multiple sessions, a physical therapist may determine that other treatments may benefit you. Such supplemental treatments as dry needling, cupping, and the Graston Technique, will enhance your therapy and help you recover quickly. A clinic that offers these specialty rehabilitations along with regular physical therapy is both convenient and extremely beneficial.
3. Available Hours
There’s nothing more inconvenient than hours that don’t work with your work or school schedule. Inconvenient hours make it harder for you to attend sessions. This could eventually set your recovery back as you begin to skip sessions due to time-crunch. A clinic that offers morning and evening hours opens up options for you so that you can take control of your therapy.
4. Type Of Environment
An open environment is one of the best ways to get the most out of your physical therapy. With an open environment, physical therapists can easily talk to each other and give advice when needed so that your sessions are the most productive. With an open environment, you’ll be able to get to know other therapists and trainers who may be able to help. Furthermore, a clinic that fosters a relaxed atmosphere that is still professional means you’ll be able to relax during your sessions and still be around a knowledgeable staff. Proper equipment available that is well maintained and cleaned is also something to look for, as it opens up other opportunities to recover quickly.
OSR Has Everything You Need
From anti-gravity treadmills to an open and relaxed environment, OSR has everything you need to have a great physical therapy experience. At OSR, our physical therapists and athletic trainers will work with you one-on-one. We will individualize a program for you that will help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to schedule your first visit at one of our three locations with convenient hours.
