How to Choose a Physical Therapist to Treat a Shoulder

Physical therapy has huge benefits in helping to heal shoulder injuries. Effective physical therapy requires you to work hard. You're going to spend a lot of time and energy in physical therapy, so you want to make sure your physical therapist is good.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consult with your doctor first. Get a proper diagnosis of your condition and ask your doctor for recommendations for good physical therapy centers.

2. Research your physical therapy options on your own. Just because your doctor recommends a place for therapy doesn't mean that's your only option. It's really important that you find a place with lots of experience dealing with shoulder injuries and that has plenty of equipment available for your use.

3. Consider the convenience of the location, how you'll get to and from therapy and if the hours work with your schedule.

4. Question your physical therapist before you begin treatment. Make sure the therapist not only has a degree, but also specializes in shoulder therapy. Ask about the therapist's experience and ask for references. You want someone that knows the latest advances in shoulder treatment, not just generic physical therapy techniques.

5. Check the cleanliness of the physical therapy offices and the staff. Make sure the equipment is clean. Also, you will be working in close proximity with your therapist, so good hygiene is important.

6. Make sure your physical therapist gives you a full assessment before you begin your physical therapy. Discuss what your treatment plan will involve and what kinds of exercises you'll do. Find out how much time you need to spend on your physical therapy at the therapy offices and at home.

7. Consider your rapport with your therapist and their "coaching" style. Your physical therapy can be painful, so you want to work with a personality that encourages you, not disheartens you.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your therapist about pain management, including whether you should use heat or cold to ease your injury.
• If your physical therapist doesn't give you exercises to do at home, consider choosing a different therapist. Recovery from shoulder injuries requires consistent work in order to heal and gain mobility.

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Resources

• The American Physical Therapy Association