I have had chronic knee problems since I was young (both knees but one is worse than the other). I injured it a few times and was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter Disease in my early teens. That’s pretty typical for young people, especially tall young people, who play sports (and I was a multi sport athlete as well as a dancer). I was told I’d grow out of it but now in my 20s, the pain is getting worse.
My new-ish PCP finally referred me to physical therapy and was kind of flabbergasted when I told her I’d never been sent to PT despite my repeated injuries.
Anyway, because it’s my first time I’m not sure how to tell who is a “good” physical therapist. What are some tips or things I should look for? (My dad’s former PT retired and I don’t know anyone else in the area who has needed PT so I can’t ask for local recommendations.)
Is there a local PT school close to you?
The department faculty may be able to point you in the right direction because they have to set up internships for their students.
It’s a bit like finding a PCP - you have to click with their style and feel like you are well cared for. Knee issues are common and most would have the knowledge for your treatment.
I had similar knee issues in HS, to the point I got a prescription to use the freight elevator instead of the stairs. Then I really banged up my right knee in a car crash. PT helped a ton. Cycling and proprioceptive exercises also really helped.
I’m a PT pro! I would ask for someone who works with athletes- either pro or amateur. Look for a PT who does ART or manipulation therapy. You don’t want someone who points you to a machine and tells you to do 20 reps and walks away. Most of the session should be very hands on. There should be a lot of analysis of your range of motion, gait, pelvic and hip alignment, etc. I’ve been fortunate to have 2 of the best PTs in the country over my long running career. You want a sports PT and not one that watches old people lift a 1 pound dumbbell after shoulder surgery.
You might call your local running store or running club.
Another option is if you have a professional sports team in your area that would typically sustain knee injuries i.e. Soccer, football etc you may be able to see who treats their athletes .
What ohers said - you need a PT who treats the active bunch. Check PT profiles online. You would want someone passionate about the activities you are passionate about. The PT who helped me with my knee was a marathoner - she put a lot of effort into fixing my gait and strengthening the right muscles. Good luck. It is a slow process, but the result would be well worth it.
The best PTs I have had have all been athletes themselves. They get it, and they understand your goal is to resume your sports, not just haul your groceries up to the kitchen. And I heartily agree with the hands on recommendation. They should be massaging, manipulating, using electrical stimulation or other appropriate modalities, not just turning you loose with the bands or weights (although those are important, too.)
And a good PT should “fire” you when you have made sufficient progress or when PT is not working for you.
My first PT was found via the hospital clinic I was referred to - she was the best at shoulder issues. My daughter was referred by the sports medicine clinic/orthopedic surgeon who repaired her torn labrum. My latest PT (for foot issues) was found via my running group. We partner with a clinic that focuses on athletic rehab, although they do other sorts as well. Someone in the group used this same PT and I then got another vote for her from the podiatrist and the orthotic maker.
The running store I frequent has weekly PT clinics where different PTs come in and do mini sessions. They’ve been in business for years, are into the run/track scene from schools to clubs, and partner with quality PTs and clinics. It’s a way to see if someone gets it w/o paying first.
My first PT was found via the hospital clinic I was referred to - she was the best at shoulder issues. My daughter was referred by the sports medicine clinic/orthopedic surgeon who repaired her torn labrum. My latest PT (for foot issues) was found via my running group. We partner with a clinic that focuses on athletic rehab, although they do other sorts as well. Someone in the group used this same PT and I then got another vote for her from the podiatrist and the orthotic maker.
The running store I frequent has weekly PT clinics where different PTs come in and do mini sessions. They’ve been in business for years, are into the run/track scene from schools to clubs, and partner with quality PTs and clinics. It’s a way to see if someone gets it w/o paying first.
I am a therapist with a specialty in hand an upper extremity injuries. All of my PT friends who work in clinics or hospitals are generalists who treat most diagnosis, however, most have a special interest (I.e. Shoulders or backs or knees). Ask around or when you call to make an appointment ask for the therapist who has the most experience, knowledge and interest in knees. Good luck to you.
I have had PT three times over the years - three therapists. The first two therapists were hands on with follow-up exercises to do at home. The last go-round the therapist showed me an exercise and then walked away, came back to show another, etc. I felt I spent an hour paying for something I could have and should have easily done at home. (Some of the exercises were just stretches or done with a ball - no machines involved.) I should have stopped going and looked elsewhere.
@bhs1978 thanks for the advice. The place I was referred to seems to have quite a few PTs so I’ll definitely ask.
@momofwildchild that is exactly the type of advice I was looking for. I’m not sure what to expect so I probably would’ve thought putting me on a machine was normal. Thank you!
Thank you guys again. I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with doctors so I’m always a bit nervous when starting with a new specialist.
