Qualities Of A Good Physiotherapist
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Physiotherapists truly change lives.
Whether someone is suffering through an illness, was involved in an accident, or is overall struggling with their mobility – Physiotherapists are the qualified superhero’s that rise to the occasion.
They help heal you physically, while simultaneously building back up your self-confidence. The 21st century – and Google – may have provided us with computers and endless amounts of knowledge, but we know even with these resources, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow down your choices to find the one.
So if you find yourself on the hunt for a new professional, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to provide you with the top qualities everyone should be looking for in a potential Physiotherapist.
What Is A Physiotherapist?
Before we get down to the good stuff – let’s go over not only what a physiotherapist does, but what you can expect from a visit to their office.
A Physiotherapist is a certified individual who studies how to provide relief to patients struggling with mobility issues for a multitude of reasons. However, finding a Physiotherapist that can tend to both your physical needs while being mindful of your emotional ones – can be a tough task. Physiotherapist Dave O’Sullivan recommends these professionals make their mission to “empower people” in order to restore their ordinary lives. So why might you find yourself in need of a Physiotherapist?
Like we mentioned before, a work injury or illness can get you referred to a Physiotherapist – however, athletes are also very susceptible to this therapy because their bodies are constantly being pushed to their limits.
Overall, there are a multitude of different patients that come in and out of a Physiotherapists’ office, but a typical patient may be suffering from:
- Skeletal and Muscle displacements that result in neck and back pain
- Issues relating to the pelvis after childbirth
- Stiffness and swelling in the joints throughout the entire body
- Brain and Spine trauma resulting in immobility
- Post-surgical treatment plans
- Muscle-strengthening after long periods of immobility
Now that we’ve got the concept of a Physiotherapist down packed – let’s look into what you should be searching for no matter where you are in the world.
Credibility
Credibility is arguably the most important trait on this list. Physiotherapists go through many years of school, tests, and training that equips them with the knowledge and experience they need for their role.
It may vary from country to country, but typically the minimum requirement of a professional in the physio realm is completing an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy from an accredited University. However, most Physiotherapists take it a step further and go on to complete a Master’s degree.
Physiotherapy is a very tedious profession with the techniques and treatments varying from case to case. This is why a Master’s degree can really help narrow down the field and have a Physiotherapist specialize in one area of expertise.
Common areas of expertise include:
- Neurology
- Pediatric
- Sports
- Geriatrics
- Acupuncture
- Woman’s Health
- Oncology
Before you browse the market for your perfect Physiotherapist, make sure to pinpoint the ailment or symptom that is the reason you’re seeking help – it’ll narrow down your options.
Patience
For a lot of people seeking physio treatment – the road to recovery can seem long and daunting. Having a Physiotherapist who is patient can greatly help make the experience much more enjoyable, especially on days where the progress seems close to none.
It’s also important that a Physiotherapist be patient with the client’s inquires. Taking a moment to understand and realize that a patient may have questions about the methods and results makes all the difference for someone who is in the dark about their physical health.
Overall, make sure that the next time you attend physiotherapy you feel your concerns and questions are welcome – no matter the number you have.
Approachability
Professionalism in any workspace and practitioner’s office is of course important. However, it’s equally important that a Physiotherapist’s office makes you feel safe and welcome.
No one wants to feel unwanted, especially when you as a patient may be in a vulnerable state. Your practitioner should be friendly, welcoming, and if you’re lucky – humorous.
This will make it much more comfortable for you when it comes time to divulge your past medical history and form a treatment plan that works with all aspects of your personal life. It’s important to be able to trust in your Physiotherapist to promote the best results from both you and them while on your health journey. Communication is key.
Realistic
The truth hurts sometimes – but nothing hurts worse than amping up your expectations only to be disappointed in the end. For a lot of patients, heading to therapy in any capacity isn’t just a one-off session. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs – success and failures. However, a good Physiotherapist will present you with realistic outcomes so that you can expect realistic results. This will also be integral for goal setting with your chosen professional.
Attainable goals are the key to big accomplishments in the long run. Everyone runs at their own pace – make sure you find a Physiotherapist who respects yours.
Compassionate
We’ve discussed how important it is to have open communication with your Physiotherapist and to add to that, we have to ensure that that communication – especially their tone towards you – is filled with compassion.
The professional may not be able to relate to you in terms of your ailment, but they should be able to relate in a sense that your struggles are valid. No pain or symptom should be checked off of your mental or physical list until it is given the proper attention from your care provider.
Now that you’ve grasped what a potential Physiotherapist should offer, it’s time to test the waters! Don’t be afraid to speak your mind when it comes to your health. Define what a perfect person – or perfect Physiotherapist – means to you. Good Luck!
