If you have recently been involved in an accident, suffered an injury or have developed a disability that prevents you having the full range of movement in your body that is normal, then it may be time to see a physiotherapist. They can help restore normal body functions, prevent disabilities, reduce pain and improve your overall ability to move your body.
One thing is for sure, a good physiotherapist can really help you. However, the problem is that it is not quick or easy to find a good physiotherapist. There are so many out there and not all physiotherapists are created equally.
Because there are so many people out there who claim to be physiotherapists, it will help your search for the best for your needs if you know what the signs of a good physiotherapist Winnipeg-based or otherwise, are.
Officially Registered
The thing is, even if individuals claim to be physiotherapists, the title is a legally protected term that should only be used by individuals who have received a professional qualification and training. The first thing you need to be on the look out for, whether its on their website, the printed information about their practices or when you are speaking to them face to face is whether or not they are registered with an official professional association or society that governs the practice of physiotherapy. If they can’t show evidence of this, then it is best to look elsewhere.
Fully Qualified
Another sign of a genuine professional is if a physiotherapist has the relevant qualifications. All the best physiotherapists have at least one university degree. Again, only seek out treatment from a physiotherapist if they can prove they have the appropriate university qualifications. It is important to remember though that the qualifications are more than just bits of paper, they represent evidence that physiotherapists are fully able to provide services within that field of expertise.
It is also worth noting that while you wouldn’t want to go to an individual claiming to be a physiotherapist, that doesn’t have the necessary qualifications, you shouldn’t just assume they are going to be the best for you. Not all physiotherapists are created equally, after all.
Effective Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Following on nicely from the above, you need to consider the personality of the physiotherapists you are interested in working with. Although it may be hard to determine what they are going to be like in the long run, after merely looking at their website or speaking to them over the phone or face-to-face, there will be signs of the kind of bedside manner and personality they have.
If they are quick to speak and do not let you finish what you are saying when you are explaining your ailments, for example, this may be a sign that they are not the best at communicating with their patients. If that doesn’t bother you, or you don’t mind someone with a terse personality, then you may not really have a problem, but if your injury is severe or recovery is likely to take a long time, you want to know you will be able to work with the physiotherapist successfully.
Another good indication of the kind of person they are will be shown by how much information they give you about your diagnosis, treatment options and what the results are likely to be. Be wary of working with anyone who does not clearly explain everything in enough detail or break it down, so you understand it well enough.
Their Availability
Whether you have an incredibly serious problem and a potentially long road to recovery or it is just going to be a short program of X amount of sessions, you want to know that your physiotherapist is going to be available when you need them. While it is a good sign if a professional is in high demand, it can be frustrating and disruptive with regards to your recovery if you need to wait long periods between each appointment.