Physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery from surgery or injury. Usually prescribed by a doctor or surgeon, physical therapy regimens will typically last several weeks and target the area that needs to be strengthened and rebuilt. Here are a few questions to ask your physical therapist before you start.

5 Questions to Ask About Physical Therapy

1. What Is the Therapist’s Expertise?

Find a physical therapist who has experience with the type of recovery you need. Most therapists specialize to some degree via continuing education and are influenced by their own experience and interests. For example, don’t choose a specialist in sports injury recovery if you are rebuilding strength after hip surgery.

2. What Will Sessions Be Like?

Ask the physical therapist what a typical session will be like. How long will it last? What can you expect? Will there be a water component? What should you wear? Who will be treating you—the therapist or an assistant? These types of questions will help prepare for the road of recovery ahead.

3. What Will Be Expected of You?

Often, physical therapy includes exercises or stretches to do at home; or, you may be instructed to wear a brace or other instrument for certain periods. Understand what will be expected of you before, during, and between sessions. Also, get a clear sense of how frequent appointments will need to be as well as how the cancellation and rescheduling policies of the clinic work.

4. How Long Will it Take to Get Well?

Patients are unique, and it may be impossible to say exactly how many weeks of therapy you’ll need. But, the therapist should be able to estimate based on the best-case scenario. Following doctor and therapist guidelines and doing home exercises, if prescribed, will also help speed the healing process.

5. How Can You Better Understand the Injury?

Communicate with the therapist about the type of injury or surgery you’ve had done. Learn what parts of the body need strengthening. Ask questions about how the exercises help and what complementary factors—such as diet or exercise—can assist the healing process. Be proactive for your own healing, and integrate preventive lifestyle choices to mitigate the chance of repeat injuries.

The Road Home Therapy Center, in Church Point, LA, offers a full range of physical, occupational, and speech therapy techniques to their clients. They have an advanced therapy center and short-term facilities to assist clients in the acute phase of recovery after injury or surgery. Flexible appointment times and 24/7 availability provide resources for those who need to schedule around family and work hours. Call (337) 684-6318 to make an appointment or visit the website to learn about their wide array of physical therapy services.