Content reviewed and contributions made by Sr Director Access Management Operations Dallas Reynolds, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, COMT
Finding the right care can be difficult. Whether it’s finding a new dentist because yours retired or a new physician because yours changed networks, locating a new care provider can take time. The same is true with a physical therapist (PT). Whether you are recovering from a recent surgery, trying to return to work after an injury or trying to manage chronic pain, understanding the qualities and characteristics of a good PT, as well as secondary factors like location, insurance and ease of scheduling are all crucial to you starting care and finding the relief you deserve.
Get Your Free Physical Therapy Screening
Not sure where to start with physical therapy? Get a free screening and let us help you start the path to recovery today.
GET MY COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING
What to look for in a good physical therapist
Expertise
A physical therapist is a trained healthcare professional required to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam. While each PT is trained in the broader field of physical therapy, many therapists also specialize in certain areas of the body or conditions.
At any of one of ATI’s 900+ clinics, patients can receive care for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions impacting the:
- Neck
- Back
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle/foot
However, suppose you are looking for post-operative care. In that case, over 90% of ATI therapists offer advanced clinical expertise in the following areas, including, but not limited to:
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Instability
- Total Knee Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement
- Achilles’ Reconstruction
Further, ATI offers many specialty services throughout our footprint geared towards athletes and injured workers, as well as hand therapy, pelvic health conditions, and early intervention programs.
Relevance
As mentioned above, all therapists must obtain a post-secondary degree and licensure to practice PT. But for them to maintain their license, all PTs and PTAs are required to follow state licensure laws. Each state is different but all require continuing education to keep one’s license.
ATI offers its therapists opportunities for continuing education in and outside of the organization. Within ATI, our clinicians can receive additional musculoskeletal training through an MSK Certificate.
More importantly, our therapists are provided with information from our Clinical Excellence department, which has compiled over 3 million patient care episodes to inform our clinicians as they work with each patient to address their needs. Our therapists are dedicated to their ongoing learning. They are a part of an organization that recognizes the need to fuel their practice with top research.
Attentiveness
Like with any provider, you will want a personalized experience. At ATI, we can ensure that every one of our patients receives a care plan tailored specifically to their needs. While you will initially meet with one of our clinicians to develop your treatment plan, the ATI team will support you throughout your recovery.
Our clinics foster a team-oriented culture, so you will work with our entire team. From the Physical Therapist to our PTAs and Operations Support Specialists, our crews will support you throughout your therapy journey every step of the way.
Interpersonal Skills: Empathy & Communication
One of the cornerstones of a good therapist is being able to sympathize and, more importantly, empathize with our patients. Each one is unique, with different backgrounds, cultures, interests and needs. Our teams know and understand that our patients are more than their injury and reserve time to talk through and listen to each patient.
One of our goals is to assist the patient in returning to the best version of themselves. Our therapists recognize that empathy, listening and ongoing communications are necessary and help achieve our and our patient’s goals.
Treatment Options
At ATI, over 70% of our patients receive services for MSK pain related to the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and foot/ankle. In addition, our clinicians provide advanced clinical expertise in post-operative care. But this is only some of our ATI clinicians have to offer.
In various clinics around our footprint, ATI providers also offer guidance in:
- Nutrition
- Oncology
- Headaches
- Concussions
- Vestibular therapy
- Complex/chronic pain
For sports and industrial athletes, injured workers, and those with hand or pelvic-related conditions, ATI specialists are here to help you as well. Across our footprint, patients can find help pertaining to:
- Work Comp/Work Conditioning
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Sports Therapy
- Hand Therapy
- Pelvic Health
- Employer Solutions
- Online Physical Therapy
With various services and programs to assist you, our physical therapists have the expertise, knowledge and skills to get you back to feeling your best. Learn more about our complete list of services.
How to choose a physical therapist
If you have a referral, your physician has taken the first step in helping you choose a PT. Likely, your physician has a relationship with the therapist and understands their reputation, expertise and services related to your condition. Suppose you do not have a specific referral or are trying PT as a first option of care. In that case, you can vet your choices by looking at individual PT’s education, experience, and skill set and considering insurance, location and ease of scheduling.
Location
ATI has over 900 locations across its footprint making it easy to find a location near or around your local community. If finding a physical location is difficult, we also offer our online physical therapy through our telehealth program, CONNECT™.
Insurance Verification
ATI accepts nearly all major insurance carriers and participates with many local provider networks. Our customer service team will verify your insurance for you before starting treatment. Hence, you understand the costs associated with your care as well as create an individualized payment plan if needed.
Appointment Scheduling
When you request an appointment, one of our Access Management Team members will notify you to find a time and location that works best for your schedule and needs.
While expertise, interpersonal skills and treatment options are essential, your PT’s location, what insurance they accept, and the ease of scheduling appointments are essential to beginning and continuing your plan of care.
Choosing a PT
ATI’s clinic teams are professional, prepared and excited to help you reach your rehabilitation goals. With over 900 clinics across the United States and our telehealth option available, we make it easy for you to start your therapy journey and to stay on track. Get started feeling better today by requesting an appointment.