Whether you’ve experienced a recent injury or are dealing with chronic pain, a skilled physical therapist will provide you with some essential tools to help you on your road to recovery. But how can you be certain that a therapist is best for you?  Look for the following qualities to ensure you receive the best possible care.

5 Traits of a Qualified Physical Therapist

1. Experience

With an experienced physical therapist, you can rest assured that you’ll receive an individualized therapy plan tailored to your  needs. You’ll also know that any treatment you receive will be founded on previous patient results, as an experienced therapist will have the knowledge and training to address a variety of illnesses and injuries.

2. Courtesy

Along with training and accreditations, the ideal therapist should have a kind and courteous treatment style. This can make all the difference to your recovery, as you’re more likely to follow instructions if you’re comfortable during your treatment sessions.

3. Membership in Professional Organizations

The American Physical Therapy Association includes 100,000 therapy professionals from around the nation. The goal of the organization is to provide resources to ensure health care staff have what they need to provide the best treatment solutions. Membership in this organization shows that a therapist is truly dedicated to his or her profession.

4. Education/Training

Before a person is allowed to practice as a physical therapist, he or she must undergo rigorous training. The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field such as biology or anatomy. Next, the person must receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy, which typically takes about three years to complete. Once they’re licensed and free to practice, good therapists should also pursue ongoing training and education. 

5. Investment in Health & Wellness

Physical therapy is about more than recovering from injury. It should also help patients establish baseline health and wellness through diet and exercise. The best therapists will introduce healthy living concepts to ensure you can live your best life long after therapy has ended.

With more than 39 years of experience, Physical Therapy Of Andalusia in Covington County, AL, provides therapeutic solutions to patients suffering from pain and mobility issues. Schedule your appointment with one of our physical therapists today by calling (334) 222-5785. You can also learn more about our complete listing of outpatient physical therapy services by visiting the website.