7 Questions Most PT's Hope and Pray You Never Ask...
1. What expertise do you possess that makes you uniquely qualified to treat my condition?
Therapists that have advanced training in a particular area of practice have a more structured approach to your recovery, resulting in greater consistency in diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, these therapists know their limitations and are more willing to refer to other health care professionals as the need arises.
-PT Helps therapists have advanced training in treating complicated orthopedic conditions including those related to the neck and back, shoulder, knee, foot and ankle, elbow, wrist, and hip.
2. What are the typical recovery times for my particular condition?
Based on clinical experience, coupled with the latest evidence based research, your therapist should be able to supply you with a predictive outcome for your case.
-At PT Helps, you will receive a detailed assessment that summarizes your condition and provides you with the latest evidence on clinical outcomes for your ailment. This gives each patient a benchmark to compare what to expect and how they are progressing as compared to others with the same condition.
3. How do you assure that I will get the best care for my unique situation?
The only acceptable answer is that they incorporate Evidence Based Practice into the day to day treatment of patients. Research shows that 17% of all therapists read fewer than 2 articles in a month, and most of those articles tend to be more case study or anecdotal in nature. In addition, research indicates that only 25% of all physical therapists actually use the latest research in their clinical decision making. As a prospective patient looking to get better faster, while experiencing less inconvenience, and incurring the least amount of out of pocket expense, you absolutely want a physical therapist that incorporates evidence based practice into their patient treatment programs.
-PT Helps implements the latest Evidence Based Practices at the clinic level. The latest information is reviewed and incorporated into our treatment protocols as quickly as possible when the new research becomes available. Our treatment protocols include a version date' so the patient always knows when the treatments have been reviewed and updated at PT Helps.
4. Will the therapist allow me to manage my own condition, or will they create a situation where I become dependent on them for relief?
A good example of this is the difference between chiropractic care and physical therapy for treating back problems. Chiropractic care requires that patients receive regular maintenance adjustments, that can only happen under the chiropractors' care. PT Helps uses clinically proven physical therapy treatment options, like the McKenzie Method, empowering patients to care for their own backs independently.
-At PT Helps, we integrate techniques for long term care management, reducing the incidence of recurrence, and promoting patient independence.
5. Is the therapist a Certified Specialist and how many hours of continuing education above the minimum required by the State do you require for therapists in your clinic?
Less than 5% of all physical therapists are board certified in a clinical specialty. Does it make a difference? Studies on clinical outcomes of board certified specialists clearly show that clinical specialists are more efficient in their treatment methodology, perform fewer treatment procedures, require fewer patient visits, and generate greater positive outcomes at lower costs.
-PT Helps therapists are Certified Specialists, and attend continuing education programs in excess of the minimum of 15 hours a year required by the state licensing board. If your therapist is scraping by with the bare minimum, it tells you a bit about their passion for the profession. You should ask yourself, "Do you want the therapist responsible for your treatment and education meeting only minimum requirements, when you could be working with Certified Specialists for your care?"
6. Has the therapist written any papers in a particular field of expertise?
Look for evidence of published papers in pier reviewed journals, authorship of chapters in books, and any other published book or manuscript. (Letters to the Editor don't count). A good source for this information is to look at the therapist's CV (professional résumé). A good therapist will be more than happy to give you a copy.
-At PT Helps, we give you our professional resume without the patient even asking. It's our job to educate patients on standards of care and professionalism, and patients really shouldn't have to ask for this information.
7. Does the physical therapist subscribe to a "Code of Conduct and Performance"?
-At PT Helps, we have addressed some of the main patient complaints when it comes to physical therapy like long waiting times, being passed off to assistants, seeing different therapists every time, and not being educated about the treatment options. Don't settle for a therapist on your first visit and an assistant on your follow-up visits. Ask for your copy of the PT Helps Code of Conduct and Performance, or view here.
