Walking into any medical office can be intimidating. If it’s your first time visiting that practitioner, there’s always a level of uncertainty. Are they on time today? What’s their background? Are they going to know how to help me? Will I get along with them? These questions are important and you need to feel comfortable with your practitioner. You’ll likely be spending a bit of time with your Physical Therapist, so how do you know if it’s a good one?
They listen, and you feel heard
This may seem obvious, but its importance cannot be understated. Your PT will ask you questions, but they should be linking information together, and asking better questions after you answer. You should also feel like they understand what you’re saying, and treat you with respect and empathy.
They make eye contact
We’ve all been in an office where the practitioner barely looked up from their computer and you left wondering if they could even describe you. A good PT will look you in the eye, attend to where you point, and pay attention. Even if they are documenting as they go, the should still be monitoring what you do, where you point, and make eye contact.
They know their stuff
Everyone gets stumped once in a while. However, a good clinician will synthesize the information in front of them (they may take a moment to do this, even better because then they are really attending to the information, being thorough and efficient) and will move concisely forward. They may be ruling in or out different hypotheses (I usually have three or so I’m working between) and if you ask why they are performing a specific test, they will have an answer for you. Also, they tell you the truth about how long they things should take and if you’re making the progress they expected.
Everything has a reason
If a practitioner is doing something with you, a test, manual therapy, massage, ultrasound, laser therapy, exercise, etc. and they can’t explain to you why they are doing it, run, do not walk, to the exit! No one should be using your time and money on things they can’t explain, or just to fill the time. Everything, from your warm up to your cool down, should have a reason. If you aren’t sure, ask! A good clinician welcomes questions, and will speak with your other providers when we have questions, or to keep them informed.
They meet you where you are
This applies to both the physical and the mental. If you prefer a style of communication ie, a cheerleader vs. a more stern commander, say so! The clinician will adapt their style to yours. If something doesn’t feel right while you’re doing it, they should be able to change or correct the movement so it’s better. Note – I didn’t say easy! You are there to make progress after all, and that means getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. They are also able to explain things in a way that makes sense to you. You should leave your session knowing what happened and where you are headed. Make sure your questions are answered well.
They have a plan
Whether it’s your first appointment, or a follow-up, your clinician should have a plan. I do a mini-assessment when I greet my patient to figure out what’s working, what’s not, and if any changes need to be made. Trust the process, but don’t go too far down the wrong path. A good clinician will recognize if progress isn’t going the way they expected and adapt. No one should be afraid to admit they were wrong and make changes to move in the right direction.
You feel comfortable
At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable with your clinician. There are personalities we all get along with, or don’t get along at all. That’s OK! I’ve never taken offense if one of my patients wants to see another clinician! Find the person that you gel with. Trust your instincts since at the end of the day, it’s about you and getting you back to the activities you love.
Your clinician should be your guide, not your hero. We are here to determine the problem, chart the course forward, and set you up for success. We help you along the way to maximize your recovery and minimize the impact on your daily life. Through your dedication and hard work, and with our guidance, you will reach your goals!
To schedule a call with Martha to see if she’s the right fit for you, click here.
To book a session, click here.
And if you’d like to email Martha directly, feel free to send a message to martha@q4pt.com!
