What is the First Question to Ask a Physical Therapy Clinic?
By Dr. Luke Vander Zouwen, DPT
A physical therapist providing high quality physical therapy will have a number of important traits.
- They will have an extensive knowledge base in their field
- Technical skills to provide appropriate interventions
- Good listening skills
- The ability to teach people with a variety of learning styles, patience, and a willingness to specifically cater their care to the individual they are working with
However, without one key element, these traits become much more difficult to display and as a result, the outcomes desired through a course of physical therapy become more difficult to achieve. This key element is commonly referred to as one to one care. This refers to one clinician (physical therapist or physical therapist assistant) working with one patient at a time. This may seem like a given, however, many PT clinics are not set up to provide individualized 1:1 attention to their patients.
Many clinics offer physical therapy where multiple individuals are seen by a given therapist during a treatment session. As a result, a patient does not get the same degree of personal attention from their therapist even though the cost of their treatments remains the same. As well, the clinician can be overwhelmed with working with multiple people at the same time especially when treating complex problems. This makes it difficult for the therapist to use the four listed traits above resulting in less than optimal outcomes (less pain and/or better function) or slower progress and more cost.
One to one care allows for a physical therapist to give you their full attention. Here is where a physical therapist can adequately listen, communicate, teach and engage with you in order to take advantage of their skill set. This is how optimal results can be consistently achieved and get you back to what you want to do.
Anyone considering physical therapy should have one major question in mind when investigating where to start getting help and that question is “Do you offer one to one care with the same therapist each visit?” If the answer is yes, that is probably a great place to receive care. If the answer is no, I would recommend searching for a location where the answer is YES.
At Full Potential, our answer is YES!
Our treatment method is designed to get you the best results possible. In our experience, those results come when our patients get individualized care with their provider. That is why we provide one to one care for every visit in our office.
And our results show how valuable that is! Take a look at what our patients have to say about one to one care:
“[At Full Potential I had a] very focused therapist, prompt, communicative. And the actual therapist was with me every minute — no assistants or techs… [I] would go back in a heartbeat.”
_______
“Returning to Full Potential for some extra work was a good decision and was well worth it. I definitely recommend FP to anyone needing individualized and knowledgeable PT help.”
_______
“At each appointment I felt they listened to me intently and worked hard to make sure I understood the concepts behind their treatment. They paid attention to me as a person, as well as a client.”
_______
“[My providers] listen intently, retest results frequently and adjust treatment strategies according to results ongoing. I can honestly say I looked forward to each appointment and would recommend Full Potential to anyone looking for physical therapy and recovery guidance…”
_______
“[At Full Potential], I can count on an individualized service and sincere goals of making my recovery the highest level possible.”
_______
“I was very satisfied with the service I received at Full Potential… My therapy was personalized and progressed as I felt better. I would go back if I needed therapy again.”
_______
“…special thanks to [Full Potential] for giving me my life back. They listen, care, and follow through personally with the therapy for individual needs. [They] are the best.”
_______
“Everyone at Full Potential is kind, courteous, knowledgeable and genuine! They truly care that your physical ability is restored, but they are also invested in you as a person! I never felt rushed and I always felt heard when I was there. I wholeheartedly recommend this group for anyone in need of PT!”
If you are looking for a physical therapy clinic who is invested in YOUR success, look no further! Call us today to set up an appointment and start getting the results you deserve!
Notes From Our PTs
Dr. Jeremy Decker, DPT
“I really appreciate the ability to work with clients one on one. This is something that is becoming more and more rare in outpatient physical therapy clinics. I’m grateful that Full Potential has maintained an emphasis on high quality care, and being one on one with clients is a major aspect of this. It allows me to focus my whole attention on one person for the duration of their appointment. This is important to be able to monitor exercises appropriately, provide education, perform manual therapy, and adjust care quickly based on client needs.“
Kristen Spykerman, PTA
“Having come from an environment where one-on-one care was not available at all times, I have come to greatly appreciate practicing under this model. Not only can I focus all my attention on the assessment of my patient, but I can also spend more time getting to know my patients beyond what they’re coming into therapy for. I also feel like it’s a smoother process implementing the plan of care set out by the PT I work under as an assistant. By that I mean, I can create an exercise program quicker and more completely because I have only one patient to focus on.”
The beautiful simplicity of a porch swing
By Vincent Hanneken, PT
On a hot summer day tucked away in a shady spot, it sits as an invitation to partake in a ritual as old as mankind. There is something natural and uncomplicated about the to and fro motion a porch swing provides. Its design and function inspires me to want to know where did it begin and who began it. Yes, as I have experienced this almost relic of times past, it seems to have played a supportive but hidden role in history as a refuge for respite.
It is the perfect place for a tired body to relax after a long day and how it provides the perfect venue to snap some beans as one sits and shares conversation, or even how it can be the perfect remedy to soothe an upset baby. The porch swing has come unassumingly to our rescue over time and here it still is in this modern age where it is probably needed now more than ever as a way to slow down.
It is a luxury in its simplicity as it gives back more than it is given with its reciprocal to and fro motion with no motors or springs to get in the way of the silence. It is the quiet sentry waiting for action when life calls on it to be what it has always been- a giver to the joys and needs of the moment far more than the energy needed to inspire such effects.
Yes, perhaps more porch swings on our porches would provide a simple therapy for these unsimple times to soothe our bodies and calm our minds. If you happen to have one of these relics of times past, leave the phone indoors and sit outside at dusk when nature is slowing down and feel its subtle calming influence. It could be one of the most therapeutic moments to the day.
So let’s give a cheer to the first porch swing maker, you may have been far more important in history than realized.
Exercise of the Month
Shoulder External Rotation Stretch
Start by standing up straight holding one end of a towel on the side you want to stretch. Sling the towel over your shoulder so that your elbow is above your head and your upper arm is by your ear. Grab the bottom end of the towel with your other hand and gently pull down and back allowing your working shoulder to rotate back slightly. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Avocado Salsa
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. boneless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Avocado Salsa: - 4 avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Add 1/4 cup of lime juice, olive oil, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp of salt to a small bowl. Whisk until mixed. Add chicken and marinade to a large ziplock bag. Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place chicken on grill and grill each side for 4-6 min, until chicken is no longer pink. Remove and let sit. For avocado salsa: add avocado, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic clove, and salt to a small bowl. Gently toss to mix. Top the cilantro lime chicken with the avocado salsa and serve.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
