How do I know if I am receiving good physiotherapy?

How do I know if I am receiving good physiotherapy?

As with all professions, some physiotherapists stand out from others because of their approach and practice. Across different clinics, the quality of physiotherapy can therefore vary greatly. Here are some key indicators to help you know if you are receiving good quality physiotherapy care:

• The physiotherapist should spend the entire appointment time with you. You should not be treated at the same time as other patients. The physiotherapist should not be walking between several patients during your session. You deserve the physiotherapist's full attention during your appointment.
• You have exercises to do at home. Therapeutic exercises are the best tools for healing. So, regardless of your injury, you should have exercises to do at home. You should also understand your exercises and know why and how they will help you. Your physiotherapist should have taken the time to show you the exercises and do them with you to correct you as needed. They should not simply send you a program of 10 exercises by email without having demonstrated and explained them to you.
• You are able to explain your diagnosis and the cause of your problem. Your physiotherapist should have given you a clear and understandable diagnosis. This diagnosis should make sense to you.
• You know what to do when you are in pain to relieve it. The physiotherapist should have given you tips and advice to regain control of the pain. Ideally, the tips should be something other than simply taking medication, heat or ice (even if it is okay for these strategies to be part of it).
• During your appointments, you should not be hooked up to electrotherapy devices. This refers to ultrasound and TENS machines. These machines are therapies that are not recommended for the vast majority of injuries because they are not effective. If the essence of your treatment is to receive this type of treatment, you are definitely not in the right place.
• You have received a clearly defined treatment plan. Your physiotherapist should have explained the game plan that will be used to heal your injury. You should feel that this plan has been personalized for your condition, taking into account your expectations, your reality and your preferences.
• We have assessed and discussed with you the psycho-social factors that may hinder recovery. We know that it can sometimes be difficult to discuss stress, anxiety and fears with the physiotherapist. However, if your physiotherapist addresses these topics with you, it is because they are genuinely concerned about your progress, as these are factors that can severely limit your healing. Fear of movement, anxiety about one's injury, injustices at work and stress are examples of elements that should be discussed with you. You should therefore be reassured if your physio talks to you about them.
• Your treatment is not exclusively passive. Your physiotherapy management should not be limited to receiving manual interventions (manipulations) from the physiotherapist. You should have received education about your condition, advice and exercises.