Physical therapy is beneficial for a wide variety of conditions as well as for top athletic performance. Whether you are suffering from an injury, want to combat the effects of aging (such as loss of balance), or you want to prepare for your upcoming sports season, you may be looking for physical therapy clinics near me. With the varying PT clinics available, you may be wondering who to choose and what to look for.
What To Look for in a Physical Therapist
When searching for physical therapy in Moorestown, NJ, there are certain qualities you want to see in a physical therapist. Although all PTs have the same educational foundation, many specialize in a certain area. When deciding which physical therapist to go to, look for one that works specifically with the condition or reason you are seeking PT for. Although any therapist would be able to help you make improvements, you will see even better results if the PT you work with has a lot of experience.
Along with expertise, some of the qualities you should look for in a physical therapist include:
- Stays up to date with the latest techniques and research
- Has empathy and is sensitive to the client’s needs and pain
- Is attentive throughout each session
- Incorporates varying treatment methods for the most effective results
A good physical therapist should also take the time to find out what the client’s symptoms, goals, and medical history are. He or she should also pay attention to the client’s improvements and make adjustments or modifications to the treatment plan if not getting the results desired.
Conditions that Benefit from PT
Many people seek physical therapy because they are experiencing a particular condition. Common conditions that PT can help with include:
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Joint issues
- Immobility
- Vertigo
- Pelvic pain and post-partum injuries
- Sports injuries
Physical therapy is beneficial for clients who have been in motor vehicle and sports accidents, and it also helps clients recover from surgery. Some people who go to a physical therapist do not have any particular condition, but they want to improve physically or athletically.
What to Expect During a PT Session
When engaging in physical therapy in Washington, NJ, clients can expect a variety of treatments, depending on their particular situation. To manage pain or other symptoms, some of the things physical therapists may do include manual therapy, ice or heat therapy, trigger point work, and massage.
Once a client’s pain has reduced, a physical therapist will often begin to incorporate exercises into the treatment plan. These may include weight training, balance movements, speed or agility training, and moves to improve coordination. The PT will guide the various exercises to ensure the client is doing them correctly. The PT may also send the client home with some exercises to do on their own.
Physical therapy works on long-term function, and this takes time. Clients should expect their treatment plan to consist of a series of session. The more a person puts into the sessions, the better results they will see.