How To Choose A Physical Therapist

Whether you were injured or had surgery, rehabilitation can be the key to your recovery. An important part of recovery is finding the right physical therapist.

You are the “Most Valuable Player” when it comes to your health care team and you will want to find PT professionals who will work with you to reach your goals. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right physical therapist.

Start the Search for a Physical Therapist

Getting started is not difficult if you mine your resources. Recommendations from physicians, friends and family are always valuable. First, you can ask your primary care professional for a recommendation, but you don’t have to use the PT they recommend. If you get a personal recommendation from someone you know, ask lots of questions. Evaluate their education, and post-degree certifications. Once you locate two or three therapists in your area, narrow down the choices by asking specific questions.

Questions to Ask the PT Clinic Professionals

Here are a few of the topics you can use to help you find the best physical therapist for your needs.

Contact each clinic and ask about the types of services they offer. Some clinics focus on specific patient groups like pediatrics, geriatrics, women, and athletes. Other PT clinics work in various settings such as home health or outpatient care. Call Capital Area PT at 518-289-5242 or contact us online to see if we can provide the services required to meet your needs.
Ask if the facility accepts your insurance. (See our list of our accepted insurance plans) They can explain their processes and if they will submit your insurance claims to the insurance company on your behalf, or if you will be responsible for submitting them. You may also ask about your financial responsibilities such as any co-pays that are due at the time of treatment. Also, ask about acceptable ways to pay. Some clinics take checks, debit or credit cards, or cash. Other’s take only cash or credit cards.
When you call, ask about the clinician’s specialties and familiarity with your specific condition and treatment needs. (See the specialties Dr. Gaetano and Dr. Marsh provide) Some therapies require special certification. Make certain the physical therapists have the advanced knowledge and skills to help you with your recovery efforts. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties certifies eight specialty areas including sports, orthopedics, geriatrics, cardiopulmonary, pediatrics, women’s health, clinical electrophysiology, and neurology.

Consider the Facility

When choosing a physical therapist, try to find one that is conveniently located and easy for you to get to. (See our convenient clinic locations in Queensbury and Malta) You may request a visit to the facility, so you can look around before you commit to receiving therapy. Here are a few considerations:

Is the facility clean and tidy? Is PT equipment organized, and is the facility spacious enough?
How are the therapists interacting with their clients?
Do therapists follow good hygiene such as washing hands between patients?
Are therapists and assistants actively working with their clients, or are people waiting for treatment?
Does the facility have any specialized equipment necessary for your treatment such as a pool?

At Capital Area Physical Therapy, we have the highly qualified professionals and state-of-the-art facilities to evaluate and treat your condition with all types of physical therapy modalities. Our physical therapy clinics, one located at Parade Ground Village in Malta near Saratoga Springs, and one in Queensbury NY near Glens Falls are convenient and fully staffed by qualified professionals.