Physical therapy is now so successful in treating pain and dysfunction that most states, including Tennessee, allow patients to come directly to physical therapy without a prescription from a medical doctor. This is known as direct access and can be used for a general health complaint such as lower back pain. It gives patients a tremendous advantage, because it shortens the typical time required to initiate appropriate treatment, and it helps cut costs–eliminating unnecessary tests or medications.

When looking for a physical therapist, there are several things you should consider:

– Is the clinic close to where you work? If you have to drive 30 minutes, it may discourage you from the required regular attendance. Physical therapy is very interactive and requires a good relationship between the therapist and the patient. The only way to establish this relationship is to actually show up for therapy.

– Is the staff friendly? You should feel comfortable with all of the staff, not just the physical therapist. I have heard from patients that the physician or therapist was great, but the staff wasn’t friendly—and the patient stopped going. Again, physical therapy is a very interactive treatment approach.

– Do you get to see a physical therapist every visit? In some offices, the patients see the physical therapist on the first visit and then do not see the therapist until they are being reassessed or discharged from therapy.

– What type of patients does the therapist usually treat? You do not want to go to a therapist who primarily treats knees if you have back and neck pain. Ask the therapist what his or her treatment approach is in regards to your specific problem.

– Is your health insurance “in network” with the facility?

– Do you have to follow your doctor’s referral or recommendation, or can you go elsewhere for physical therapy? As a patient, it is in your best interest to find our own physical therapist. Call around to clinics and ask if they have someone who specializes in manual therapy. You can find therapists online or in the phone book.

Once physical therapy begins, a patient should expect improvement within the first three to four sessions. If not, a patient needs to discuss the situation with the therapist. Communication between the patient and the therapist is critical in the overall success of their treatment. For more information on an individual approach to physical therapy, visit Rehab etc. at myrehabetc.com.

Jim Hambrick, P.T., is co-founder and co-owner of Rehab etc. After attending undergraduate school at Mississippi State University, he completed physical therapy school at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. He has received advanced training and certification in myofascial pain management, opening his first private practice clinic in 1993.