by Riley Kerr, PT, DPT, ATC
For those who live in Irvine, California, and surrounding Orange County neighborhoods, finding a physical therapy clinic that fits your wants and needs can be an extremely difficult and frustrating experience. It seems like there are physical therapy clinics on every corner in Irvine. Here are 7 tips (in no particular order) for finding the right physical therapy clinic for YOU. Read to the end for a bonus tip!
1. Make sure the clinic has licensed and experienced therapists.
Physical therapists are specialists in their field and should have the education and background to support that claim. Often, therapists will have additional credentials and specialties in specific areas such as orthopedic, neurological, or sports rehabilitation. Look for clinics that employ therapists with plenty of experience working with patients dealing with similar cases; these therapists can often give better insights and implement more effective treatment strategies.
2. Make sure you are getting a customized treatment plan.
Physical therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment strategy and every patient has their own unique presentation. Treatment plans should reflect this! Look around at other patients in the clinic. Are they all doing the same exercises every visit? This should raise a red flag in your mind. A good treatment and exercise plan begins with good communication. Make sure your therapist is listening to your needs and designing a program that is specific to YOU!
3. Check on insurance and payment options.
A big consideration when looking for a physical therapy clinic is whether they accept your insurance plan or not. Most clinics can tell you if they accept your insurance with a simple phone call. With a little more digging, clinics can even verify your benefits and tell you what your out-of-pocket costs will be. If the clinic doesn’t accept your insurance, be sure to ask about out-of-network/cash discounts! Some clinics will offer discounted rates for patients that have an insurance plan that isn’t on their list of accepted insurance companies!
4. What is the therapist-to-patient ratio?
In some clinics, therapists may be responsible for multiple patients at once, which can lead to less individualized attention. It’s ideal to find a clinic where therapists work with fewer patients simultaneously, ensuring you get the personalized care you need. If you find yourself spending most of your session doing exercises alone or waiting for someone to tell you what to do, you might be at the wrong clinic.
5. Make sure the clinic has updated equipment and technology.
Physical therapy clinics with modern equipment and technology may offer more advanced treatments and a more comfortable patient experience. It’s also important to consider the variety of equipment that a clinic has. Clinics with a larger variety of equipment are often able to use their equipment to make more specific programs that help you reach your goals faster!
6. Consider clinic comfort and environment.
Is the staff friendly? Are the patients enjoying themselves? Does the clinic feel welcoming and supportive? Is it clean? These are all important questions to ask when considering a clinic. Your comfort extends beyond your pain. Making sure you are comfortable being in the clinic will make your experience much more positive!
7. Look through reviews and testimonials.
Check the clinic’s online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of what other patients have experienced. Consistently positive feedback regarding staff professionalism, treatment effectiveness, and patient care can be a good sign. While few clinics will have 100% positive reviews, it’s important to pay attention to patterns.
8. BONUS TIP: Trust your instincts!
Your health should be your priority! If you don’t feel 100% comfortable in the clinic or something just feels off, it might be time to find a different clinic! Finding the right physical therapy clinic can feel like an overwhelming task, but with some careful research and consideration, you can select a clinic that meets your needs and supports your recovery. Prioritize your health goals, consult with professionals, and choose a clinic, like our one in Irvine, that makes you feel confident in your journey to better health.
If you have any questions or want to speak to one of our experienced therapists, please reach out and let us know! Your health is our goal!
