As a PT working in a sports clinic in a relatively large triathlon/running city, being a triathlete myself and treating many triathletes/multisport athletes I have heard many criticisms about athletes going to see other PT’s to help with injuries. These range from the PT not being an athlete themselves, or telling the athlete to stop training or even that the PT was so busy that he/she could spend no real time with the athlete.
What I am asking the forum, to make our practice a better place for multisport athletes, is what do you look for in going to a physical therapist? What types of/content in marketing materials would you like to see before going there…what would you like to know to make sure that going to a PT is going to be effective? What is the best way for us to communicate that to you, the triathlete? The answers to this could really be extremely helpful for all of us as I intend to eventually train other PT’s through continuing education on how to treat triathletes.
My PT is a triathlete and I don’t think I would go to one who wasn’t some sort of endurance athlete. I want someone who “gets it.” He’s a great guy and has helped me through 3 IM’s. I’ve known him since before I was his patient, so marketing materials wouldn’t have had much affect on my, but he did give me a free t-shirt last week! Really though, if I had to shop around for a new PT, I would want to know their sports background, and what kind of athletes they have helped meet their goals and over come injuries. Maybe a few patient testamomials, I’m a sucker for that kind of stuff.
Most people who are serious about their training will train through injury unless someone says continuing to train will result in permanent, debilitating injury. PTs should suggest exercises/stretches that can be incorporated into training to assist in recovery. Not many folks are going to object to “training” more, especially if it will help accelerate recovery. In your marketing materials, emphasize how therapy can help improve performance or prevent injury. One PT I know around here has a handout of easy stretches that can be done before and after running. He puts a list of these stretches on the back of his business card.
Another question, may be controversial…what would make you pick a PT vs. a chiropractor?
I would NEVER pick a Chiro. I prefer some medical backround in the people who touch my body.
As to your other questions. PT clinics these days will often double and even quad patients…got to get all the CPT’s in per hour as possible - you will often see this with HealthSouth and other large PT clinics (and rehab centers).
I am sure that the Chiros wont like my post…but man oh man can I tell the horror stories of Chiro’s manipulating things they shouldnt, telling their patients that MD’s are all “just greedy”. I have seen Chiros kill patients (neck manipulation in a 70+ woman causing stroke), I have seen Chiro’s claim to solve ear infection and infant bed wetting…PLUS, constant manipulating of a joint will cause the connective tissue to become lax creating a need for more adjustments…
Edit - Also, I have seen FAR to many Chrio read their own X-Rays and make soft tissue diagnosis. They are #1 NOT radiologists, and #2 and X-Ray wont show soft tissue. Then there is the fact that a PT requires (in IL) a prescription from an MD, where as a Chiro can do about what they want…
I agree with QRGirl. I did notice that a local chiro around here specializes in ART. I don’t know if this is something only chiros do or if PTs can also do it, but ART gets rave reviews around here and I think it would be a real selling point to a lot of athletes.
Are you talking physical therapy or massage therapy? I draw a line between the two (right or wrong). PT is when something goes wrong and I need ultrasound or other machines. MT is what keeps me on the road and happens at least every two weeks all year long. My MT is not “the God” but is “a God.” My answer will be different depending on your response. I think it is easy to find a qualified PT. I think is much harder to find a qualified MT. There are a lot of, shall we say, “interesting” people in the MT field.
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Yes I know the horror stories…in my field chiros are not held in the highest regard, but it’s amazing to me how popular they are for the spine, when really physical therapists treat the spine, up to 50% of our practice in many cases, and give the athlete the tools for a permanent fix ie: lumbar stabilization, core strengthening and neuromuscular patterning to avoid/prevent injury…when in many cases, not all, but in many cases chiros manipulate and that’s all.
when in many cases, not all, but in many cases chiros manipulate and that’s all.
I am thinking I am correct in thinking that a prescription is needed for PT in all 50 states…Yes? That being the case, folks dont go to their doctor first to get a REAL medical diagnosis.
(reminds me of another story where a guy had a tumor causing pain, Chiro had another diagnosis. By the time the patients went to a real doctor the tumor was the least of his worries - he died days later from cancer).
PT’s can do ART, but I’m not saying that it is not effective because it is, but really ART is nothing new. It is a grouping of myofacial techniques that physical therapists and massage therapists have used for years, bundled up and taught at continuing ed classes that cost over $1000 a piece, and given a fancy name.
PT’s have direct access in almost 40 states but reimbursement will not cover in most places without MD Rx but you are correct in that PT’s follow the medical model (referral to appropriate physicians when an issue goes beyond PT) vs. alternative medicine model
I am actually looking for a PT outside the military in Victoria BC because they do not have a clue about athletes.
I need/want someone who understands sport and biomechanics better than I do so they can actually help. Not a non athlete that doesn;t run and just read some books on specific subjects. I can do that.
I just yelled across the room to my husband a chiropractor of 15 years…“what do you think of this post written by Recordcarbon?”
He rolled his eyes, and said you haven’t read his posts before…I said no…he said good, don’t read them again, jaded, uneducated, and flat out unintelligent statements.
I thought, funny, though he must been in the wrong place at the wrong time to have been able to witness the death of a 70 year old woman…maybe he should have done something to stop the horror!
For the record…we have a number of PTs on staff, three of which are triathletes, one who has been on team USA for a number of years. And, my husband, his associate and I all refer to qualified PTs who specialize in working with endurance level athletes. In regards to what are the athletes looking for? Knowledge! and Experience! Good Luck.
I think this thread has gotten a little sidetracked, but I don’t understand your original question. Are you suggesting people go to PT on a semi-regular basis/ for minor aches and pains or that it be used as a tool for rehabilitation after surgery or fractures? I’m just curious, the only 2 times I’ve been through OT/PT was after 2 wrist rebuilds. It hurt like hell and I would come out of there every time just exhausted and sore. I know PT is going to hurt some times. So really the only suggestion I can come up with that would make me want to go a certain clinic is if they offered complimentary Lortab 10’s or had a big ass hookah with hoses running to every station.
A couple of things.
First, with some doctors and PTs, I get the feeling that there’s a bit of knee-jerk reaction to prescribe ‘rest’ all the time. I think that there should be some hesitancy before telling people that they need to rest.
Second, I’ve been through two long-term therapies, and in the first one I spent a huge amount of time working directly with the therapist; in the second, which was more intensive, I felt like I was too on my own at times. This was partly because the therapist was very good (therefore in demand and still my best option) but if it’s just stuff I do on my own, let’s skip the session and I’ll do it on my own.
I guess that’s another thing to consider: a lot of triathletes are goign to be pretty motivated in terms of putting the hours in exercising.
-charles
I just yelled across the room to my husband a chiropractor of 15 years…“what do you think of this post written by Recordcarbon?”
What do you expect him to say? I can only assume that your husband is one of the good guys and not putting TV add’s on that claim to be able to solve bed wetting, ear infection and on and on. Chiro is like a religion in the real medical world, one I am in every day - and one that I have never ever heard the word “Chiro” and not had it be followed up with an MD eye roll.
You may better understand my point about the Chiro’s in Illinois if you do as little as see what is required here to be a Chiro please note: “*NO STATE EXAM”. *I as well as many others in Illinois belevie that the lack of regulation by the state is what has taken IL down a very scary path in the medical world. We are at the top for Med Mal rates (to the point that Doctors flee to other states). Illinois also does not verify any CEU’s for providers unless there is a complaint…and even then, more often than not the state wont look and will rely on a PI Atty to do the research.
Oh…you happen to know what a “Chiropractic Neurologist” is? I have a very good friend who is a Neurologist (MD) who was asking me the other day. She was giggling when she asked me.
ILLINOIS
NAME OF BOARD:NEXT LICENSE EXAM:
Illinois Medical Licensing Board NO STATE EXAM
LICENSE FEE:
$300.00 Application fees are payable by check or money order and include the Initial License Fee, which is
non-refundable.
OFFICIAL ADDRESS:
Department of Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington Street, Third Floor, Springfield IL 62785
“You may better understand my point about the Chiro’s in Illinois if you do as little as see what is required here to be a Chiro please note: “*NO STATE EXAM”. *I as well as many others in Illinois believe that the lack of regulation by the state is what has taken IL down a very scary path in the medical world.”
That’s likely because Illinois uses the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Part 4 clinical practical examination as their state board exam, like I think 47 or 48 other states do. This examination is far superior to what most state boards were using before and one that was developed in conjunction with the university of Tulane medical school I believe. The examination process for chiropractic over the last several years has become much more rather than less rigorous thanks to the National Board. You may wish to check directly with the board on this matter though before you draw any incorrect conclusions.
I’ve had to bad ankle injuries that have put me into PT for about 24 weeks in the last 2 years. The therapist I got to and maintain a relationship with is also and Ironman so he knows what I do and what it takes to get to the starting line. I won’t go to a doctor, PT, chiro, or anyone else who is in the medical profession who believes that endurance athletes are doing more harm to themselves then good by training. I can go on with this but it’s another thread.
Some of the things that are frustrating to me, is that during the first round of PT my therapist worked on only strengthing the ankle that I hurt which ended up causing some inbalances between the two legs and ultimately caused a foot/leg domination that wasn’t there previous to the injury, that my coaches and I had to work on to get rid of. On the second round he was open to letting me do equal time on both legs but it was a strain on the clinic because it caused me to be there twice as long. So I guess the short answer is look at the big picture not just the injury.
Second, is that I think all medicos believe that what they do is the best. So they don’t find out what other alternative treatments maybe available that will enhance or help what they’re doing.
Last as others have pointed out, they’re usually over booked with people who have various injuries, but it seemed that most people who were there we on either end of the spectrum. Fat out of shape people who were injured because of the bend arm, open mouth, repeat over use.
As for the question on Chiro’s, I’ve been to one that specializes in ART and he’s been to Kona as well as IM Moo in support of the athletes prior to and after the races, so he’s also familiar with triathletes. I don’t think I would go to him for traditional chiro work because I don’t have those problems. One thing I did notice about his office in general is that they seem to try to be the jack of all trades in the medical profession. Which would lead me to believe that that Chiro who is trying to do that is master of none of them. Not what I would really be looking for. One of the bigger areas I hear people complaining about is Chiro’s making orthotics for people. Not that it’s rocket science but if I had something wrong with my feet I’d go to a foot doctor. I realize foot position can have an effect on the spine hips and areas of concern for a chiro but this is where I think doctors should work together to make a sound resolution to a problem.
Kind of wordy, I’m sorry for that but it’s my .02 cents worth…
