12 Qualities of a Good Physiotherapist | Here’s How to Choose!

Knew Pain

With recommendations from doctors, suggestions from relatives and random picks from Google, you ended up with several options for physiotherapists available in Tricity. “Whom to choose?” is an obvious but difficult question, right? Relax and take a deep breath. We have done the analysis, and here’s the extract.

India is home to 1.37 billion people; for every 10,000 people, there are only 0.59 physiotherapists. Getting access to home physiotherapy services in Chandigarh is quite difficult. However, the process becomes even more challenging when you don’t know the patient’s requirements.

Behavioural traits of the person is an important consideration but the ability to align with environment, approach, and methodology are also some of the major factors one must consider while selecting.

After shuffling your basket, we got to know that there are 12 essential requirements to look for, which are generally overlooked. Don’t know what they are? Not an issue as we have listed them all in this blog. Check out the following must-haves and get one step closer to meeting the right home physiotherapist:

  1. Ability to Personalise the Treatment

In the NCBI’s database, there’s a case study that examines the effect of personalised physiotherapy treatment on an 85-year-old male patient with a neuron disease, a history of stroke & COVID-19. Therapists were very strategic while designing the treatment plan for this patient. They preferred to emphasise on the following issues:

. Respiratory Problem

. Speech & Swallowing Difficulty

. Weakness Affecting Limb Muscles

After frequent evaluations and measuring follow-up reports, they successfully maximised functional outcomes.

It is, however, important to note here that medical conditions vary from patient to patient, so their treatments must be highly personalised to promote faster healing. Overlooking the essential requirements of the patient’s body and limiting to the generic approach can eventually lead to an increase in pain and slower recovery. It can even lead to overexertion, new injuries and strain.

“One-size-fit doesn’t fit all”

The methods and approach should be oriented to the medical and physical conditions such as pain tolerance and movement abilities. A physiotherapist who assesses the medical history gets a better understanding of the treatment that will suit the patient’s body.

2. Understanding Patient Goals

Overlooking the requirements and providing unwanted treatment to the body can lead to additional physical ailments. Every patient requires specific solutions. People don’t simply opt for physiotherapy only for pain relief but they may also seek improved mobility, long-term relaxation, and much more. 

However, understanding the right goals to drive a successful treatment journey can be an overwhelming experience for some physiotherapists. 

“Going Beyond Commitments and figuring out short-term & long-term goals of a patient is the key.”

One should avoid imposing interpreted goals and interact with the patients to understand what they are looking for and what will be better for them. Realistic discussion is better than disappointing commitments. 

Aligning the treatment process with the patient’s description can help achieve steady progress towards the goals.

3. Consistent & Focused Approach

Consistency is important to achieve positive results. Changing physiotherapists can hinder patients’ improvement. It can create a gap between the progress reports. Building comfort with new people might be difficult for patients. 

Moreover, each physiotherapist has their own approach; some treat the patients in a rush and overlook minor details. Rushed sessions may result in excessive pain and frustration. 

“Focusing on the treatment procedure instead of the clock is the key to successful results.”

Physiotherapists who manage this situation well and allocate time according to your treatment requirements and comfort are perfect for you.

4. Understanding the Value of Hands-on Treatment

Experienced physiotherapists don’t have to provide perfect treatment; their approach and techniques make the sessions effective. Technology gives us access to advanced solutions to accelerate the healing process. However, relying completely on machinery like TENS, Ultrasound or hot packs may not be sufficient for faster healing.

“Hands-on experience is not always associated with hands-on treatment.” 

Experts always analyse the patient’s condition and use a balanced approach. They rely on machinery and include hands-on techniques wherever required—manually executed activities like joint mobilisation, stretching, deep tissue release and essential exercises.

5. Good Communication & Patient Analysis

Everybody needs a reason to work on something. Understanding the goal can make a huge difference. Many professionals lack communication with patients, which eventually leads to frustration. People hesitate to follow the treatment plans, exercise schedule and timelines because they don’t understand why they are asked to do the activities. This is where a lack of infrared decision making takes over the session.

According to an article published at the National Library of Medicine, patients feel dissatisfied with their experience when they don’t get a chance to communicate and get detailed explanations about the exercises. 

“Execution is not possible without motivation.”  

Good physiotherapists make sure that the patient is not feeling uncomfortable and unmotivated. They answer all the patients’ questions about the treatment process to educate them. Explaining the reasons behind exercises and giving step-by-step treatment briefs and tips on managing pain at home is necessary to keep patients relaxed and motivated.

6. Appropriate Progress Tracking

Physiotherapy sessions are of no help if you don’t know the right time to discontinue them. Continuing with an exercise routine without analysing the progress can be harmful. Sometimes, physiotherapists go on with the treatment without tracking the status of mobility, movements and pain. It can worsen the condition. 

“Execution of sessions is of no help if one doesn’t know when to stop or extend it.”

Measuring the progress and modifying the next sessions is essential for successful physiotherapy. The measurable indicators are necessary to assess the patient’s range of strength, motion, functionality and pain levels.

7. Specialisation for Specific Conditions

Physiotherapy is required for various types of injuries or medical conditions. However, specific knowledge about all the cases is essential for appropriate treatment and faster results. Sometimes, physiotherapists recommend generic treatment plans to all the patients; which may lead to further consequences. 

“Every case requires a specific treatment approach.”

Choosing a professional who knows the specific case is essential. If the patient is recovering from a sports injury, choosing a general physiotherapist won’t be helpful. You must look for a sports rehabilitation specialist. Those specialising in conditions like post-surgical rehab, geriatric care and neurological conditions can effectively treat patients struggling with these problems.

8. Professional Yet Comforting

Imagine an expert treating a patient; the environment is very noisy, and the patient feels neglected and unheard. In such a situation, no one would feel comfy and relaxed. This lack of communication and professionalism leads to stress and frustration. 

“Expertise that cares and comforts the patient.”

A good physiotherapist makes sure that the patient is comfortable and satisfied. To build that comfort, experts should be focused and humble. The environment must be clean, organised and relaxing. It will eventually help to improve the patient’s medical condition. Professionals must be cooperative and adaptable in the homely environment.

9. Result Oriented & Patient

Having physiotherapy treatments consistently might be an overwhelming experience for some patients. That is why it is even more important to deliver a noticeable improvement. Neglection from the physiotherapists may lead to disappointment and an increase in stress. Going through the overall process in a hurry may have certain repercussions. 

“Physiotherapists being patient is the key to patients’ successful recovery.”

Professionals should treat patients dedicatedly with a result-oriented approach. They should aim to achieve faster results without losing patience. It will naturally enhance people’s comfort level.

10. Patient-Friendly Availability

Finding a good physiotherapist can be an overwhelming process. Even if you are able to find one, limited appointment slots and long waiting lists hinder your recovery process. Skipping therapies can also come with unknown consequences. Physiotherapists who overcome these obstacles and maintain consistency are a perfect fit for you. 

“Flexibility of time and location should not hinder consistency!”

You should look for physiotherapists who are open to flexible scheduling and prioritise consistency for better treatment results.

11. Ability to Balance Active & Passive Treatment

This approach is essential for successive recovery results. Some physiotherapists recommend passive treatment methods like heat therapy, ultrasounds, and electrical stimulation that eventually lead to negative consequences. They neglect imperative exercises that are very important to ensure long-term recovery.

Without understanding the case, recommending any treatment or plan is not the way to a successful recovery. 

“Condition-specific approach that effectively balances active and passive treatments is the faster recovery mantra.”

A good Physiotherapist understands the importance of active exercises. They incorporate active body movements in the treatment to strengthen your muscles and improve mobility. Thus, if they balance both techniques, they are the perfect fit for you.

12. Motivating & Supportive

The journey of recovery can be a challenging trip for patients. In this situation, practicality and professionalism take a back foot and human reality steps in. If experts do not show empathy towards the patient, they may leave room for discomfort, frustration, and restlessness in the patient’s mind. 

“Motivation and support can pave the way for successful recovery.” 

Interaction between patients and physiotherapists before proceeding with sessions can help greatly. It encourages, motivates and supports people to heal faster. Look for professionals who work with a caring and understanding approach. You will naturally see the difference if you get the best physiotherapist in Mohali.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you are one step closer to meeting the right physiotherapist. Now that you are ready to look for the best physiotherapists in Chandigarh, “here’s how we met”. We, at Theronation Healthcare, provide home physiotherapy services in Mohali. We aim to provide patients with comfortable and personalised treatment for faster and long-term recovery. Our experts will visit your home, evaluate your medical condition, proceed with your treatment plan and eventually achieve your recovery goals.