If you have chronic back and neck pain, or other body aches, a skilled physical therapist can help you reclaim your life. If you’ve never been to a physical therapist before, you may be curious about how they can help you. To ensure you get the treatment you need, be sure to ask the following questions before deciding to work with a particular therapist.

3 Questions to Ask a Physical Therapist

1. What Could Be Causing the Pain?

Physical therapists will explain your issue clearly, provide you peace of mind, and help you make better decisions. After reviewing your doctor’s notes, an experienced therapist can explain exactly what is causing your pain. For instance, if you have sciatica, they can pinpoint exactly where a muscle spasm could be pinching the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain that spreads up and down your back. Understanding the precise source of your symptoms will enable you to work with the therapist to create a treatment program. 

2. Have You Dealt With This Issue Before?

As with any treatment plan, you’ll want to work with a professional who has successfully handled similar issues in the past. For instance, if you have back and neck pain, a sports medicine practitioner who focuses on knees and hips may not be the best choice, even if they’re an expert in their field. Instead, work with a physical therapist who specializes in shoulders, neck, and spinal injuries for optimal results. 

3. What Will I Need to Do?

Successful physical therapy requires active participation from the patient as well as the therapist. An excellent physical therapist will describe what you’ll need to do at home and explain how it will help. For instance, they might prescribe a certain set of stretches you’ll need to perform daily, or specific exercises to build up muscles supporting your joints.

As a multi-disciplinary practice operating with medical supervision, Montvale Health Sport + Spine offers relief from sports injuries and chronic back and neck pain. The caring staff creates personalized treatment plans, ensuring patients throughout Upper Bergen County receive the attention they deserve. Visit their website for more on their back and neck pain treatment programs and call (201) 391-8282 to make your first appointment.