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Jul 11
2017

3 Tips For Communicating With Your Physical Therapist

In any relationship, communication is key and the same rings true for your relationship with your physical therapist. If you are starting a new program, you may not know what to expect at physical therapy, but rest assured, our trained therapists at Above & Beyond Physical Therapy will help you each step of the way. Read on to find tips for communicating with your physical therapist.

There are several things that you can do to help you get the most out of each physical therapy session and aid you in a speedy recovery. There are several pieces of information that your physical therapist will require and will ask you in your time together. In addition, preparing some information, including questions or symptoms, will help you make the most of your new physical therapy program.

Here are three tips for communicating with your physical therapist:

Bring your questions

What do you want to know? Making a list of questions for your physical therapist will help you stay focused on your recovery and also help your physical therapist to know the best way they can help you. Be sure to write down any and all questions you have and bring them with you to your appointment.

Journal your symptoms, lifestyle & activities

Your physical therapist will ask you what symptoms you have been experiencing. While pain is a common reason to come to physical therapy, we are not always aware of how our day-to-day activities play into our symptoms and treatment. Write down any and all symptoms and how your day-to-day activities are affected by them.

If your job is a desk job, how is your posture? How long are you sitting at your desk each day? If your work requires heavy lifting, how often are you required to do this? These things and more are all things that your physical therapist needs to know to help develop a course of treatment that is right for you. These questions are especially important in the case of workplace injuries.

Know your goals and what you are willing to do to achieve them

While your physical therapist will partner with you in your recovery, the progress you make is up to you and attitude is everything. Thinking through what you would like to achieve in physical therapy and expressing this to your therapist, will help you in achieving your goals.

Some goals to consider with physical therapy could be:

• Effective pain management
• Improved range of motion
• Regain use of or strengthen muscles
• Restored mobility
• Getting your life back or enjoying your favorite activities again

Our physical therapists at Above & Beyond Physical Therapy in Phoenix and Queen Creek care about helping you achieve your goals in each physical therapy session. We are passionate about helping you make progress, recovering after surgery or an injury, and helping you get your life back. To experience the benefits of physical therapy and what it can do in your life, contact us today.