Choosing a therapist to treat you for whatever condition is not very difficult.
Like so many other health professions, physiotherapy and sports therapy has a number of different areas of expertise, and is governed by strict standards of service. Practitioners themselves have to be sufficiently educated and officially registered to practice. So, identifying which therapist can provide you with the treatment you need requires more than simply picking up a phone book. At The Pressure Point, we make sure every service we provide meets the highest professional standards, and that our practitioners – in every area, from physiotherapy and sport therapy to massage and acupuncture– are fully qualified and properly educated. But what is the best advice to give those searching for the right physiotherapist?
Here’s our 5 key tips we recommend when you are looking for the best therapist. 1. Check Their Qualifications Just as when you deal with any health professional, it is essential that your therapist is fully qualified and fully accredited. They are required by law to have completed a degree at an approved educational institution, and to be registered the appropriate governed body. The HCPC and STS is responsible for keeping professional standards high, keeping out the ‘cowboys’, ensuring the Code of Practice is adhered to and that practitioners are fully insured. 2. Know the Relevant Area of Expertise Physiotherapy and sport therapy covers a wide area, and just as there is little point in speaking to a brain surgeon about a sore tooth, you should seek out a physiotherapist with the relevant qualification for your particular problem. So, if you have a bad back, see someone who specialises in musculoskeletal conditions, and if you are recovering from heart bypass surgery see an expert in cardiovascular physiotherapy. 3. Location It might seem a minor issue but location is something that should be considered, especially when the injury or condition to be treated is chronic. Driving long distances is not wise when you have musculoskeletal problems so, if you can, choose a physiotherapist that is close by, or that is not difficult to get to, that has easy access (wheelchair ramps). 4. Consider The Methods of Treatment While it never wise to second-guess the appropriate treatment, you may have a preference for a treatment type. Traditionally, physiotherapists use techniques like movement and massage, but there is a wider array used today. 5. Check Availability Perhaps the most important consideration is whether the physiotherapist is actually available. It’s important to get treatment as quickly as possible, so ask about the workload. This can be essential if you suffer a relapse and need emergency attention. The Pressure Point Professionalism At The Pressure Point, we offer much more than general physiotherapy treatments to help patients rehabilitate from injury and illness. Our programmes are designed to prevent future and promote a healthier lifestyle.