3 Ways One-On-One Physical Therapy Gives Better Results
3 Ways One-On-One Physical Therapy Gives Better Results
What is one-on-one physical therapy and why is that a subject I am passionate about? One-on-one care means that each patient is given one-on-one attention with one therapist, whether that is a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant. Unfortunately, in this profession, there’s been more and more of a trend towards multiple patients being treated by one therapist at one time.
How would that work? Suppose I were working with one patient by doing hands-on care while instructing a patient in an exercise on the other side of the gym at the same time. I would have to shift my attention from one individual to the other, back and forth.
Unfortunately, I think this does not provide the highest level of care. It doesn’t provide the same results for the patient. It’s simply impossible to provide a high level of care to multiple people at one time. Some people may still get better with this type of care, so it’s not that it has to result in poor outcomes. Still, the chances of physical therapy working well are optimized when one-on-one care is provided.
Optimizing Results from Physical Therapy with One-on-One Care
There are a number of ways that one-on-one care improves results. For example:
- I can establish a relationship with my clients or patients by learning their specific needs.
- I can get to know their specific goals and I can give personalized attention to those goals.
- One-on-one care results in optimally personalized treatment. No one wants to be given what’s commonly referred to as “cookie-cutter therapy,” which means that everyone who comes in with a knee issue gets the same set of exercises. Every knee issue is different.
- Each patient can receive the best education on what caused their problem and how to avoid problems in the future. My goal with physical therapy is to teach as much as I can so that I can give an individual the ability to take care of themselves.
It’s really very simple. For me to provide really good personalized care that’s tailored to an individual, I really need to have one-on-one attention on that individual. I want not only for them to feel better when they’re working with me, but I want them to feel better even in between appointments and after their treatment plans are complete.
If I educate them well, promote their awareness of their situation, and give them the tools they need to manage it, they have their best path forward. One-on-one care provides the best path toward that end.
At Full Potential Physical Therapy, All Care is Delivered One-on-One
We have made it a priority to provide that one-on-one care, even when the profession may be trending away from it towards multiple-to-one care. We feel that it is very important to have that one-on-one attention with the therapist so we can get the best results with our physical therapy.
I always tell people who are seeking physical therapy that they should ask, “Does your clinic provide one-on-one care?” Fortunately, at Full Potential Physical Therapy, we can answer “Yes,” to that question every time. If you need help with aches and pains or recovering from injuries, call us at (616) 537-2837 to get help quickly.
About Luke
Luke earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Hope College, and in 2016, received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University. He is experienced in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues. In early 2021, he completed advanced coursework in the treatment of temporomandibular (jaw) joint dysfunction and has enjoyed working with this often underserved population. He also has a particular passion for treating individuals with persistent pain who are looking to improve their quality of life and daily function.
Luke has many hobbies and passions outside of physical therapy. First and foremost, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and Airedale terrier. He also pursues Olympic weightlifting, cross-training, rowing, and running. Luke loves being out in nature, whether that means camping, backpacking, or just taking a hike to go bird-watching.