6 questions to ask your new physiotherapist
Not all Physiotherapists are created equal.
Some of them are up to date on the research and do their absolute best to keep YOUR best in mind. Others? Not so much.
If you plan on seeing a Physiotherapist in Vernon, here are the Top 6 Questions you should ask them:
1 - What does my treatment plan look like?
Your Physiotherapist should have a plan and be able to explain it to you. That doesn’t mean that everything will always go according to plan, but you at least need to be following one. They should be able to tell you an estimate for how long and how many visits your treatment will take.
2 - What will each appointment look like?
You should know what your appointments will include so that you are better prepared for them each week. You Physiotherapist should be able to tell you what to expect.
3 - When do you think I will be feeling better and how long will you need to see me?
This one is a tricky one because everyone is different. But… your Physiotherapist should be able to give you an estimate of how long it takes to recover, based on how long their patients have taken to recover and what the current research says.
4 - What are some alternatives treatments?
There are many ways to approach a problem, and pain is no different. No single treatment method is absolutely necessary to treat ANY body injury. If you do not like being adjusted, you do not have to be adjusted. If you don’t like a certain exercise, there are plenty of others to choose from. A good Physiotherapist should recognize that and be able to give you alternative treatment options.
5 - Will this condition get better on its’ own?
Most conditions get better on their own. This is a fact. If you ask your Physiotherapist and they tell you that your back pain will get worse if you don’t get your hip put back into place, or your neck will get arthritis because of your poor posture, they are trying to scare you into a treatment plan.
That said, even people with conditions that eventually get better on their own often benefit from treatment and a rehab plan.
6 - What can I do at home to help me with my pain?
Repeat after me: “I am responsible for my own fate”
If your Physiotherapist does not give you anything to do at home to help manage your pain or progress your condition, find a new Physio.
Not sure where to start?
We can help.
If you are looking for someone in Vernon to help you with your injuries, I can help you in person.
If you are looking for a clinician in BC, I can see you virtually, or I can point you in the right direction to find someone near you.
Author: Dr Mark Murdoch, Chiropractor and Co-Founder at Base Camp Chiropractic and Sports Rehab in Vernon, BC.
Mark Murdoch is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine.
Contact: drmurdoch@basecampclinic.com
Book an Appointment with Dr Murdoch: book here
Instagram: Base.Camp.Doc