Communication is the most essential part of a doctor / patient relationship. You need to be open and honest with your doctor so that they can provide the best possible diagnosis and care. The same goes for communication between patient and physical therapist. In this article, we are going to offer a few tips for effectively communicating with your physical therapist.
Be Open & Honest
First and foremost, always be open and honest with your physical therapist. If a certain exercise is causing you massive amounts of pain, tell your therapist. If you don’t feel like you’re making the progress you should be making, tell your therapist. Hiding things or downplaying the truth will make it harder for your physical therapist to treat you effectively.
Talk out Loud
Contrary to popular opinion physical therapists are not mind-readers. We rely on patients to verbalize their thoughts and feelings so we can provide the best possible treatment. Many patients internalize their feelings during treatment, downplaying their pain levels and trying to tough it out. Verbalize your feelings. Don’t be afraid to talk out loud to your physical therapist.
Know When to Get a Second Opinion
Communication is a two-way street. It’s equally important that your physical therapist is communicating with you as well. Despite the best efforts of both parties, sometimes patients and physical therapists just do not communicate well with each other. If you have done your best to work with your therapist and it’s just not a good fit, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion from another provider.
Physical Therapy Twin Cities
OrthoRehab Specialists offers physical therapy care to patients throughout the Twin Cities. With over twenty five years of experience, our physical therapists are equipped to diagnose and treat any injury or condition. We offer direct access to physical therapy in Minnesota. That means you can set up an appointment with us even if you don’t have a prescription for physical therapy from your doctor. Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis physical therapy clinics to set up your appointment and get started with a physical rehabilitation program.