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Selecting a physical therapist is up to you. Don't be embarrassed to
"shop around" until you find one with whom you have good chemistry.
- Physical therapists have different educational backgrounds, specialities,
and work experiences, making one more suited to your needs than another.
You may want to seek out a neurologic clinical specialist (NCS) -- a
physical therapist who has had advanced training/practice in neurology
and has passed a specialty exam certifying them in the "examination,
evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with movement or
functional problems."
- To find a neurological physical therapist in your area, go to:
http://www.apta.org
and click on Find a PT. Enter your zip code and your preferred distance
for travel. Then select "Neurologic" under the expertise drop down menu
item. to search a national database of physical therapist members of the
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
- Look for a physical therapy facility near your home or work. Convenient
location and hours are important as you will likely be going there two
or three times per week.
- Visit multiple facilities to determine where you feel most comfortable.
- A larger facility with several therapists allows each one to
draw on the experiences of the others as necessary.
- Most states allow you to see a physical therapist without a physician's
referral first, but your insurance policy may require a visit to the
primary care physician first or limit your access to only preferred
providers.
- Insurance should cover an annual assessment that allows the physical
therapist to update a home exercise program, perform a brief "tune-up,"
or address specific goals, such as balance retraining.
- Ask the physical therapy clinic if they participate with your insurance
company and/or will submit claims on your behalf. Some policies require
co-payments for services and the co-payment will be dependent on if the
physical therapist is part of the insurer's provider network. You will
also have to meet your deductible.
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What to expect from physical therapy
People with Parkinson's benefit from working with a physical therapist
at various stages in the course of their disease progression. With each
onset of new neurological problems, the physical therapist can help
improve the quality of life and ease stresses often related to physical
limitations.
Your first visit should include an evaluation and a discussion of the
findings. Based on this information, you and your therapist should set
specific goals that you would like to achieve during your course of
therapy, agree on a timetable to achieve these goals, and develop a plan
of care including direct interventions to help you meet your goals.
Jean and Dr. Becky Farley at a PWR GYM training session for
physical therapists
A physical therapist can help you:
- Design an individualized program to address your specific
physical limitations.
- Learn stretches and exercises that can be done at home to
improve range of motion, posture, strength, flexibility, and
endurance.
- Evaluate and treat mobility and walking problems as well as
joint or muscle pain which interferes with the activities of daily
living.
- Plan more efficient movements and compensatory techniques for
daily living activities (e.g. bathing and dressing) to make these
easier and less tiring to do.
- Learn to use appropriate walking aids.
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