How to Choose a Top Physical Therapist: by Dr. Joanna Frantz

       Just as you would do research to pick a lawyer, insurance agent or even a new car, you should do the same when choosing a physical therapist.  Fortunately in FL, you can seek a physical therapy evaluation and treatment without a physician referral.  When you receive a referral for PT from your primary physician, you can still choose whom you would like to see.  There are several important factors when choosing a therapist. 

·         Education – what degree does the therapist hold?

·         Background – does the therapist have training in the type of treatment that is specific to your diagnosis?

·         Location – is the facility close to work or home? Typically you are getting PT several times per week.

·         Clinic philosophy – Are you being seen one-on-one?  Will you be with the same therapist from evaluation to discharge?

·         Treatment philosophy – is treatment passive based, modality based, manual based, exercise based, or a combination?  Is treatment protocol based or individual diagnosis based?

 

To search and learn more about top Physical Therapists in your area, you can go to the APTA web site, search for a therapist in your area and read their profile.

APTA link: http://www.apta.org/apta/findapt/index.aspx?navID=10737422525