A very important step in your recovery is choosing the right physical therapist. And as with any relationship, it is important that you two are a good match. Know that you’ll probably be working with that person for a few weeks or months, so you have to feel comfortable with them.
I have heard a few not so positive stories and even though there are a lot of amazing PTs, not every PT is a good match for every person.
When you’re deciding to work with the therapist, you have to feel comfortable, but more importantly, you have to trust them. Just because someone has an amazing “alphabet” behind their name (see the list of therapist credentials below) that doesn’t mean she/he is the best option for you.
This week I’m answering remarkymarkable’s question and I’m guiding you through the process of choosing the right physiotherapist for you and your injury.
The remarkymarkable’s question: “Hello Maya, Can you tell us what to look for when choosing a therapist? I am having a hard time finding one that I have confidence in. To me, this seems like a very important part of the recovery. One that can have long-term consequences both good and bad, depending on who you choose…. I have seen two different therapists so far and still don’t think I have found one that is a good match for me. They each may have all the latest high tech gadgets and extensive book knowledge of their chosen fields, but don’t seem to have a good intuitive “hands on” approach to applying therapy. I hope you understand my question and thank you.”
Things mentioned in the video:
- [online program] Guided Healing Meditations (now it’s a part of Completely Healed Academy >>
- [free online program] 7 Essential Ankle Exercises
- The list of therapist credentials [1, 2] – see below:
Wouldn’t it be great if you had a roadmap to complete healing of your injury?
Now you can have it! Just click the button below.
In this in-depth masterclass, you’ll discover all the important things that are not covered in your doctor’s office so that you can heal quicker and better with ease & bounce forward from this physical trauma.
AET – Advanced Exercise Therapist
ART – Active Release Techniques
ATC – Athletic Trainer, Certified
BSPT – Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
CCI – Certified Clinical Instructor
CCS – Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Certified Specialist
CAFS – Certification in Applied Functional Science®
CAPP-OB – Certificate of Achievement in Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy
CAPP-Pelvic – Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy
CCP – Clinical Certification Program
CCVT/CVT – Certified Clinical Vestibular Therapist/ Clinical Vestibular Therapist
CFC – Cranio-mandibular Head, Neck, and Facial Pain
CEAS I, CEAS II – Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
CEES – Certified Ergonomic Evaluator Specialist
CFCE – Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator (also FCE: Functional Capacity Evaluator)
CFMT – Certified Functional Manual Therapist
CHT – Certified Hand Therapist
CKTP – Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner
CLT – Certified Lymphedema Therapist (Also known as CLT-LANA)
COMT – Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
CPT – Certified Personal Trainer
CPT – Certified Pilates Teacher
CREX – Certification in Rehabilitative Exercise
CSCS – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
CST – Craniosacral Therapist/Therapy,
CST-D – Craniosacral Therapy Diplomate
CYI – Certified Yoga Instructor
CYT – Certified Yoga Therapist
CWCA™ -Certified Wound Care Associate
CWCE – Certified Work Capacity Evaluator
CWS® – Certified Wound Specialist
DMT – Doctor of Manual Therapy
DWC® – Diabetic Wound Certified
DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy
ECS – Clinical Electrophysiologic Certified Specialist
FAAOMPT – Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
FAFS – Fellow of Applied Functional Science®
FCE – Functional Capacity Evaluator: see CFCE (Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator)
FOC – Functional Orthopedic Certification
GCFP – Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practioner
GCS – Geriatric Certified Specialist
HHP – Holistic Health Practitioner
JSCC – Jones Strain Counterstrain Certified
LLE® – Lymphedema Lower Extremity Certified
LMP – Licensed Massage Practitioner (see LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist)
LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist
MDT – Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy®
MLD – Manual Lymph Drainage
MPT/MSPT – Master of Physical Therapy
MTC – Manual Therapy Certified
NCS – Neurologic Certified Specialist
NDT – Neuro-developmental Treatment Certified
OCS – Orthopedic Certified Specialist
OT/OTR/OTReg/OTR/L – Occupational Therapist/Registered/Licensed
PAS – Postural Alignment Specialist
PCS – Pediatric Certified Specialist
PRC/PRT – Postural Restoration Certified/Trained
SCS – Sports Certified Specialist
WCC® – Wound Care Certified
WCS – Women’s Certified Specialist
