Finding the right occupational therapist can be a challenge. With so many different options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice for you.
You know that you want a provider that specializes in the issue that you’re currently dealing with and you want to feel confident in the decision you make so you know you’re not wasting your time or your money.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks to help you find the right physical therapist for your needs so you can find the relief you’re looking for and get back to living life on your own terms.
Do Your Research
The first step in finding the right occupational therapist is to do your research. The best way to start is by looking up occupational therapists in your area and reading reviews from past patients. Doing so will give you a firsthand look at past or current patients’ take on their experience and interactions with the occupational therapy clinic and the staff. This will give you a better idea of the quality of care they provide and what you can expect from them.
Additionally, you can ask your primary care physician for some recommendations or check with your insurance provider to see which occupational therapists are covered by your plan if you’re unsure of where to start. Then, with the recommendations, you can do your research and decide which ones you’d like to contact for more information.
Ask Questions
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential occupational therapists, it’s time to start asking questions. You want to make sure that your OT understands the problem you’re dealing with and knows how to get to the root problem so you can get back to enjoying your life without pain or limitations. Make sure to ask about their experience and qualifications, as well as any specialties they may have.
Additionally, ask about their treatment methods and whether they offer any additional services, like manual therapy or IASTM. An occupational therapist may offer a service you’ve never even heard of that could help you in ways you couldn’t imagine.
It’s also important to inquire about their rates and payment options before making any commitments. Sometimes, it’s possible that an OT could have a free consultation available — so be sure to ask!
Schedule An Appointment
Once you’ve found a few occupational therapists that you’re interested in, it’s time to schedule an appointment. This will give you the opportunity to meet the occupational therapist in person and get a better sense of their personality and approach to treatment.
During the appointment, be sure to ask any additional questions you may have thought of and clearly outline your goals for occupational therapy. Not only will this help you, but it will help them in knowing how to correctly treat you and get to know you better. You’ll be able to tell during your first meeting or consultation if said occupational therapist is a good fit for you or not.
If you like the OT after the first visit, talk to them about setting up appointments for the future!
Follow-Up
After your initial appointment, it’s important for you to follow up with the occupational therapist to ensure that you’re getting the care you need to finally feel good again. It’s always a good idea to be knowledgeable about how they’re treating you so you can continue to stay in tune with your mind and body.
Make sure to keep track of your progress and ask questions if you have any concerns as they arise. Additionally, if you’re not satisfied with the care you’re receiving and feel as though you’re not making the necessary progress, don’t be afraid to look for another physical therapist.
Finding the right occupational therapist can be a challenge, but with the right research and questions, you can easily find the perfect fit for your needs.
Do your research, ask questions, schedule an appointment, and follow up to ensure that you’re getting the best care possible. And if you want to learn more about how Hands-On Therapy Services can help you, be sure to contact us today for more information. We’d love to discuss options with you!
About the author – Hoang Tran: an expert in physical & occupational therapy
Hoang Tran is a Miami certified hand therapist, the owner of Hands-on Therapy Services, and the author of the book “The Hands-On Approach”. She loves helping people with hand, neck, and shoulder problems because she knows how bad and debilitating they can get if not addressed and treated properly (once and for all!).
The aim of her Miami occupational therapy practice is to bring patients back to full functionality, without pills, injections, or surgery. Occupational and Physical Therapy are both offered at Hands-On Therapy by our experienced therapists who provide a comprehensive approach to your care.
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
