How to Choose a Physical Therapist
By Jeff Lewandowski DPT, SCS, ATC, MTC
(Published in the Johns Creek Herald, September 2007)
There are many professionals who claim expertise in the field of physical rehabilitation but the most qualified is a physical therapist. Choosing a physical therapist can be difficult if you do not know what you are looking for. Here are some tips:
First, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) states the most important guideline in choosing a physical therapist is to make sure that you select a licensed physical therapist. You may also receive treatment from a physical therapy assistant, but make sure that he or she is supervised by a licensed physical therapist. All physical therapists must have a degree from an accredited physical therapy program before completing the national licensure examination. Currently, all new graduates must earn a minimum of a Masters degree, but many colleges are already offering an entry-level Doctorate degree. By the year 2020, new graduates will be required to earn a Doctorate degree.
Next, it is beneficial to find a physical therapist who is APTA Board Certified in a specialization related to your problem. Specialization certification is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice. The specialist certification program was established by the APTA in 1978 to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area of practice. Additionally, specialization assists consumers and the health care community in identifying physical therapists with this advanced knowledge. The APTA has established seven specializations: Cardiopulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Sports Physical Therapy. Regarding orthopedic injuries, research has shown that more experienced physical therapists with orthopedic or sports certifications demonstrate greater knowledge in managing musculoskeletal conditions than physical therapists without specialty certification (Childs J, et. al. A Description of Physical Therapists' Knowledge in Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2005; 5: 32-44.)
There are specializations other than the APTA Board Certifications that a physical therapist can achieve that show expertise in a specific area of practice. A few examples are as follows: Certified hand therapists (CHT) specialize in the rehabilitation of hand injuries and surgical procedures, therapists certified in neuro-developmental techniques (CertNDT) specialize in certain neurological dysfunctions such as stroke rehabilitation, and a certified manual therapist (MTC) specializes is "hands-on" joint and soft tissue mobilization. Additionally, certified athletic trainers (ATC) specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing, and rehabilitating injuries that result from athletic activity. Physical therapists that are also ATC's are uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat athletic and sports related injuries.
Lastly, finding a facility that is properly equipped to provide adequate services is important. While most out-patient physical therapy clinics have all of the basic modalities (thermal, sound and electrical therapies), some have more advanced equipment and exercise machines. In addition, the clinics hours of operation are important to consider. Since most physical therapy plans of care require a patient attend two or three sessions per week for several weeks, the availability of appointment times can be important. If you are a working individual or student, you may want to find a clinic that is open early, late, and offers Saturday appointments.
SportsCare Physical Therapy is a state-of-the-art facility conveniently located on McGinnis Ferry Rd. Our therapists have advanced education and training that is unparalleled in the Johns Creek area. Please visit on the web us at www.sportscarephysicaltherapy.com
Jeff Lewandowski DPT, ATC, SCS, MTC has an advanced doctorate degree in physical therapy. Jeff is also a certified athletic trainer, a certified manual therapist, and is board certified in sports physical therapy. Additionally, he holds a clinical faculty appointment at Emory University and is a published author.
Allison Smith DPT, ATC has her doctorate degree in physical therapy and is also a certified athletic trainer. Allison has completed all the requirements to be board eligible in manual therapy and will be taking the certification exam later this year.
