You suffered an injury, and now that the healing is underway, it’s time to start working on rehab. In situations like this, it’s critical to reach out to professionals who have the unique skills to help you to heal properly.
In situations where you have an injury that involves pain, loss of movement, or strength concerns, you may need a physical therapist. With the help of a physical therapist, you can create specific strategies to help you to see improvement. That may mean finding ways to reduce your pain and help you to heal faster. The key here is to know how to find a physical therapist ideal for your specific needs.
Do You Need a Specialist?
The first thing to consider is whether you need a physical therapist. These professionals are experts in the way the body moves. That means they can help you with injuries and conditions related to the function of the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You may benefit from this type of help if you have an injury that’s healing or after a surgical procedure. Seek out a therapist that has experience in the specific area of concern you have.
You may not be ready to seek out the help of a therapist if you have sudden and significant pain. If you just suffered an injury that’s debilitating and creates an inability to move, it’s important to go to the ER or see your medical provider as the first step. In situations where you have no movement at all, or there is an obvious deformity from the injury, turn to your doctor first.
In other cases, a physical therapist is the right decision. This may include:
- After you suffered an injury to a muscle after working out or a sporting event.
- You have pain from an injury.
- You just had surgery on an area of your body, and your doctor is recommending physical therapy.
- You have mobility concerns due to old injuries or pain.
- It’s time to get back into fitness, and you’re struggling with strength issues or aches and pains.
If you’re not sure if physical therapy could help you, reach out to our team for an evaluation. We will not encourage you to engage in physical therapy unless it is the best way to help you recover faster and safer.
Speak to Your Healthcare Provider
Now that you know it’s time to get help from a physical therapist, it’s time to learn how to find one. One of the first steps many people take is reaching out to their medical provider for guidance. If you are already seeing a doctor for the injury or your surgeon is recommending therapy, you can choose to talk to them as a first step. They can provide guidance on the type of therapist that is best suited for you while also providing you with insight into the types of therapy that could be best.
That’s important after surgery. You want your healthcare provider to be a part of the physical therapy process because they may have very specific steps in terms of when you can put weight on your new knee or how long you need to wait before you start working your shoulder.
Just as you have a choice in what doctor or surgeon you use, you can choose your physical therapist! You don’t typically need a referral to get physical therapy.
You don’t need a referral to work with Rock Valley Physical Therapy. We’re happy to help welcome you into our program with an evaluation.
Research Online
We recommend that you feel as comfortable as possible with the professional you choose. That’s why it is a good idea to gather some insight and do some research online. Researching a physical therapist gives you the ability to learn how this person helped others. Read the reviews left by others who used their services. Get to know the type of work they do, their personality, and just how successful they were at helping people to heal.
Finding a specialist therapist that can address your specific needs is always important. You may be an athlete that needs specific focus on not just aches and pains but the proper function of your knees to ensure the best possible function. For those with back pain, choosing a therapist with specific experience in spinal health and pain relief could help you to recover more effectively. A niche physical therapist like this may certainly be able to provide a more specialized level of care.
Take some time to research not just one therapist but several. Consider the professionals themselves as well as the company they work with, as this can shed light on what the organization offers and the various types of therapy available. The more information you have, the easier it will be for you to find someone that you feel is a good fit.
Let Us Help You Get the Care You Need
At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, we have a wide range of professionals who may be a good fit for you. You can choose someone that offers the type of care you’re looking for or the type of personality you know you are going to respond to in the best way possible.
We encourage you to learn a bit more about the variety of services we offer. That includes our physical therapy services, occupational and hand therapy, and overall health and wellness programs. We are committed professionals to restoring and improving your quality of life. To achieve those goals, we will provide you with ongoing support.
Reach out to us if you’re in pain. Talk to our team after your surgery so you can recover faster and more effectively. We’re often referred to by doctors, too.
Call Rock Valley Physical Therapy
It’s not always easy to know how to find a physical therapist. At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, we’re committed to supporting you. We put patients first. Always. That means we are compassionate and recognize that your success is paramount. When you choose to work with the largest therapist-led organization in the country, you can count on being in the best hands possible. Call our team today to seek out a specialist who can help you.