Trust in treating Therapist

What makes you trust your Physical Therapist?  If your Physical Therapist can't treat you during your desired treatment time, what do you do?  Who do you trust to "tag-team" your care?  Should you "tag-team"?  What about "co-treats"?  How does that differ? 

Let's face it, physical therapy is about relationship.  Patients typically come in to see us at least once a week.  We typically treat that patient independently, at Great Moves, for 1 hour at a time.  We're going to get to know our patients.  Trust is (hopefully) built between the PT and the patient.  Also, independent patient goals are established.  Patients work with us knowing we have their best interest in mind; to return them to what their personal desires are.

"Consistency of Provider" has been a big topic of late.  Not all practitioners, in any field, are alike.  I hear complaints about patients not being able to get on their primary PT's schedule in the corporate system because other physical therapists' patients are taking those slots.  What would you do?  Speaking with a former intern of mine in this situation, I recommended (and she had already started this process) of having her patients schedule out their appointments.  I always tell my patients it is easier to cancel (preferably with 24 hour notice) than it is to slide in an appointment (although, I am also a clinician that has the mindset "I will make it happen" when having to squeeze in a patient).  When "tag-teaming" patients (sharing a patient between practitioners), this brings up another point -- hire the right people; quality counts!  It is easy to co-treat (treat a patient at the same time together) and talk up that other practitioners' skills while you are both there doing the treatment on the patient.  Then, when the patient is ready to see both practitioners for his/her own specialty, it is a more comfortable and easy transition to being scheduled on 1 PT's schedule 1 day and on another PT's schedule a different day.  Having this relationship of respect for each PT's specialty can go a long ways in your practice when a specific PT gets sick or goes on vacation and patients still need to be seen. 

Bottom line: All patients need to feel taken care of, valued, and given the best care possible.  He/She can have a primary PT for different aspects of his/her care.  A patient needs to be well educated on these specialties being provided to him/her.

What are your thoughts on "Consistency of Provider"?

Pilates is coming to Great Moves Physical Therapy!

Join us for a free introductory Pilates mat and ball class here at Great Moves Physical Therapy. Instructed by Great Moves’ Physical Therapist and Pilates Specialist, Dr. Shallyn MacDonald.

When: Monday, April 16, 2012 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Where: Great Moves Physical Therapy north gym

Who: all levels welcome, patients and non-patients alike. Space is limited so please sign up at our front desk or call us at 477-6870 to reserve your spot today.

Why: Pilates is a low impact stretching and stabilization exercise form to improve your strength and mobility from the core out.

What: Balls and mats are provided at the class or bring your own.

Physical therapist guided 6 week ball and mat Pilates class. Join us at Great Moves Physical Therapy, 1775 S. 8th St, on Monday evenings starting April 16th, from 5:30 to 6:30. The cost is $10 per class or $50 paid by April 16th for the 6 week class. Space is limited. Maximum of 16 people per class. Sign up today by calling the number below. Balls and mats are available at the class or bring your own. All levels welcome.

Great Moves Physical Therapy
1775 S. 8th St
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
719.477.6870

I've moved!

Career opportunity has expanded for me at Great Moves Physical Therapy.  I'm excited at the opportunity to expand my career in the Springs with vastly knowledgeable, passionate clinicians for best care, professionally driven and business savy humble Physical Therapists.  What a beautiful and peaceful healing place for your musculoskeletal impairments.  Check us out on the web (to be updated soon) at www.greatmovespt.com.