Why You Can Be Confident

Why You Can Be Confident Your Physical Therapist Will Get Results

If you’re in pain, you may be wondering if physical therapy will work for you. The answer is “Yes!” A qualified physical therapist can help you achieve the results you want, whether it’s to move without pain, return to work or your favorite sport, restore normal range of motion, or whatever you need to live life to the fullest.

Physical therapists are highly qualified professionals, with the education and skills to determine the cause of your discomfort and design a treatment program that helps you recover as quickly as possible. Your physical therapist will work with you to establish your goals for treatment, whether your pain stems from an injury, accident, chronic condition, or another cause.

Arming yourself with physical therapy information is a great first step toward taking control of your health. Here, you can learn more about physical therapists’ qualifications and what physical therapy can do for you.

Physical Therapist Information

Here are the factors you should consider when searching for qualified physical therapists:

• Education and Training: All physical therapists must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before they can become licensed by the state in which they practice. The minimum requirement is a master’s degree. However, many programs now offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree as well as a master’s degree.

  Physical therapists receive extensive instruction in human anatomy, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, physiology, kinesiology, and biology, to name a few. They are also required to participate in clinical practice and internships. All states require physical therapists to become licensed before practicing. Licensing requirements vary, but typically include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination or a similar state exam. Most states require ongoing education in order to maintain licensure. When conducting your research, ask if the physical therapist is licensed and participates in continuing education.

• Experience: Some physical therapists specialize in areas such as orthopedics, pediatrics, or sports therapy. Others have extensive experience treating certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis or knee injuries. You may wish to partner with a physical therapist who has experience in treating your particular condition.
• Interpersonal Skills: You’ll be working closely with your physical therapist; therefore, he or she should have the interpersonal skills to make you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment. You’ll want to be sure your concerns are heard, and your needs and abilities are respected. You should also expect a high degree of professionalism from your physical therapist.
• Confidence: When your physical therapist expresses confidence in his or her ability to help you, you’ll feel more confident that your treatment will result in a measurable improvement in your condition. Observe your physical therapist. You’ll want to work with someone who appears to be confident and in control, with a clear understanding of your condition and how best to treat it.
• Caring: Qualified physical therapists have more than just education and skills to offer. The best physical therapists are also caring individuals who demonstrate empathy for their patients, along with a desire to see them get well as quickly as possible.

How Does Physical Therapy Work?

Physical therapy treatment first involves a comprehensive evaluation of each patient, including a detailed medical history. Your physical therapist will also help you determine your goals for treatment, such as returning to your favorite activities, living pain-free, or being able to run, garden, or dance again. Then, through a comprehensive neuromuscular and functional examination, the physical therapist determines the underlying cause of the pain or dysfunction.

The next step for the physical therapist is developing a customized treatment plan for you. Physical therapists have specialized training in how to help the body become stronger and heal itself, which means they can help you recover quickly without costly drugs or invasive procedures. They will design the most effective rehabilitative treatment plan for your abilities, fitness level, and goals.

Physical therapy services are targeted to each patient’s needs. Your treatment program will include a combination of manual therapy, massage, therapeutic exercise, soft-tissue therapy, or other modalities. In addition, your physical therapist may recommend a muscle strengthening and conditioning regimen, to build strength and stability of joints and muscles. Couple this with stretching and flexibility training you will experience improved balance and prevent future injuries.

Your physical therapist will also educate you on using proper form during exercise, avoiding repetitive motion injuries, and maintaining fitness. Through a physical therapy treatment plan, you will not only reduce pain and restore mobility, but you’ll also see an improvement in strength, balance, range of motion, and overall physical condition.

You Can Be Confident the Sports and Physical Therapy Center Will Get Results

If you’re unsure about whether or not physical therapy can help you, why not ask your doctor for a physical therapy prescription and schedule a consultation with the Sports and Physical Therapy Center? Owner Sean Quinn and his staff have been getting results for patients in St. Louis County since 2004 – and they can help you too. The licensed physical therapists at the Sports and Physical Therapy Center are caring, skilled professionals who are dedicated to seeing all patients return to a pain-free life and achieve their goals.

If you are ready to partner with a physical therapy center in Eureka, Missouri, the Sports and Physical Therapy Center is ready to show you why you can be confident in their services. Call 636-938-4065 for more information and to schedule your consultation with a qualified physical therapist. Read about the services offered, along with patients’ results, by visiting http://www.ptstl.com.