Physical therapy has changed the lives of many in the Park Slope, Brooklyn area – for the better, of course – but there are a ton of misconceptions about what physical therapy is and when it’s necessary. 

For example, many people believe physical therapy is only for those who are overcoming an injury or recovering from surgery – a myth we’ve already debunked in a previous post, which you can read here. 

But that’s just one of many misconceptions in the industry. 

Another myth, which we’d like to debunk today, is that physical therapists are only available to those who have a referral from a healthcare provider – something that might be true in some cases, but not all. 

And even those who have a referral are under the impression that they need to work with the physical therapist they were referred to – as opposed to doing their own research and finding one themselves. 

But that’s not true, either – at least not in Park Slope, Brooklyn. 

To be clear, you don’t need a referral to seek help from a physical therapist – especially with PhysioRX by your side – and you have the freedom to work with any PT you’re comfortable with (even with a referral).

How to Find the Best Physical Therapist for Your Needs

Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from a surgical procedure, overcoming an injury, or looking to enhance your physical performance, the right physical therapist can make all the difference.

But one thing many people fail to realize is that not all physical therapists are the same. 

And just because a physical therapist is qualified doesn’t mean they’re the right PT for you.

The truth is there are a lot of factors patients must consider during their search for a PT. But don’t worry – we’re going to give you a few pointers because everyone deserves to have a positive experience with PT. 

1. Experience & Credentials

Before you put your trust in a physical therapist, make sure they have a Bachelor’s degree, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree, and a license through the New York State Department of Education. 

But degrees and licenses are only half the battle. 

Licensed physical therapists can gain a lot of valuable experience by completing a residency, fellowship, or becoming board-certified through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

2. Personable & Motivational

The most qualified physical therapist isn’t always the right physical therapist for you or your loved one – especially if they’re not personable or motivating enough to keep you interested in what they have to offer.

That’s why it’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. 

A good rapport can enhance your treatment experience and motivate you to stick with your rehabilitation program. The stronger that therapist-patient relationship is, the more likely you are to reach your goals.

3. Manual Therapy Skills

Manual therapy is a specialized physical therapy method that utilizes specific, hands-on techniques without the assistance of devices or machines. It’s used by most physical and occupational therapists. 

A good physical therapist knows when and when not to use manual therapy. 

For example, our team at PhysioRX is highly trained in manual therapy, but we take a more unique and comprehensive approach that focuses on personal training and exercise to enhance your well-being. 

4. Reviews & Reputation

As with anything in this world, don’t be afraid to read reviews and testimonials from past patients to get a feel for who your physical therapist is, how they treat their patients, and how they go about their business. 

But keep in mind that some of these reviews might be inaccurate. 

Like we mentioned earlier – not all physical therapists are created equal. And just because one patient had a negative experience with a certain physical therapist doesn’t mean the next patient will as well.

5. Availability & Accessibility

Last but not least, make sure you find a physical therapist that has the time to dedicate to you and your goals. Too many physical therapists are so busy that they can’t give you the care you want or deserve.

And we’re not just talking about the time you spend together in-person. 

The right physical therapist makes themselves available outside of the gym or office. They allow you to contact them at any time to ensure your progress continues at home, while traveling, and anywhere else.

The PhysioRX Effect: What Makes Us Different

Are you skeptical of what physical therapy can do for you? Is this your first time working with a physical therapist? Have you had negative experiences with physical therapy or physical therapists in the past? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then PhysioRX is the place for you. 

Going through the typical system can be time consuming, costly, and frustrating – and it can take weeks for you to get the treatment you need – but PhysioRX was created to shape up the standard in PT.

Here are just some of the ways we go above and beyond for our patients…

Personal Training – there’s more to physical therapy than stretching and manual therapy. We combine those efforts with exercise, quality workouts, and personal training to improve beyond recovery. 

Hybrid Approach – we combine in-person training sessions with at-home workouts to ensure recovery continues beyond the confines of our office. It doesn’t matter where you are, we always go with you. 

Mobile App Access – all of our patients have access to our mobile app, which allows us to monitor and track your progress at all times. It also allows you to communicate with your therapist whenever needed.

Nutrition Guidance – nutrition plays an important role in your ability to recover quickly and return to peak performance. Your coach will help you create long-term changes that translate to long-term success. 

In addition to the most highly regarded training certifications, all PhysioRX coaches have Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate degrees in the fields of Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training.

To learn more about how PhysioRX can help you look and feel your best, book a free consultation today.