“Our goal is to Empower You”: The Four Questions Every Physical Therapy Patient Wants to Know

It’s not always easy getting back to normal.

No two patients ever have the same case, so anytime you are injured it can take some time to map out a plan for care specific to your needs. What patients do have in common is that they are eager to get back to the activities that make them happy. As your physical therapists, it’s our job to answer your questions and help you better understand the process. Here are four questions that every physical therapy patient wants to know.

1. What is wrong with me?

We understand that you hurt and you are in pain. The goal of physical therapy is to collaborate with your orthopedic team and evaluate you so that we can educate you about the pain you are experiencing. Our evaluation will help us better understand you, your body and your pain so we can create an individualized program that will start you on the road to recovery.  

2. How long will it take?

Well, this depends on many different factors. Your physical therapist (PT) will collaborate with your orthopedic care team and analyze a thorough evaluation in order to understand what is going on with your tissues and your pain. This will help us give a prognosis and timeframe for therapy so that you can achieve your goals.

3. What can I (the patient) do for it?

Ask questions. Whatever it is that you don’t know, understand or want to know more of, ask. Our goal is to empower you. We will work with you and utilize all of our resources to find the best answer for you that will help you progress with your goals.

4. What can we (your healthcare provider) do for it?

A primary focus of physical therapy is to help reduce your pain and improve your function. A Physical Therapist will utilize many different tools in order to help you achieve your goals. Our team wants to make sure that you can enjoy time with your family, hiking, fishing, working, golfing or whatever your favorite activities are, and not have to think about the pain that may have once limited these activities.

John DeLucchi, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS is a clinic manager and therapist at OrthoCarolina Mooresville.