Why Productivity and Efficiency Matter in Physical Therapy

In order to help a patient achieve optimal health and wellness, the physical therapist must be on their A game, day in and day out. While patient commitment and attitude are of the utmost importance when it comes to recovering from a serious illness or injury through a physical therapy program, a lot rests on the shoulders of the physical therapist. In recent years, especially, productivity and efficiency have become hot topics among physical therapists and clinics alike. While physical therapy is, at its core, about caring for and nurturing patients, there are also certain parts of the job that do not involve actually working with the patient. While many fear these tasks take away time with the patient, the fact of the matter is that doing everything you can to become a well-rounded physical therapist requires both patient time and time at a desk. Studies estimate that anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of a therapist’s time may be taken up by cumbersome documentation and administration tasks.

From the patient’s perspective, a great therapist is one who takes the time to understand their needs, lifestyle, injuries, and where they want to be when all is said and done. While most certainly do not have any false pretentions about the ‘business’ side of the job, it is nevertheless important to work with a physical therapist who is both productive and efficient in all aspects of the job. Today we are going to look at what physical therapists do in order to get a better idea of this connection between efficiency and productivity when working with patients.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists – also referred to as PTs – are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals who are suffering from medical problems, injuries, or other conditions that hinder their ability to move and function when trying to perform the most mundane tasks. During the initial meeting, a physical therapist will take the patients history followed by a thorough examination which will look at the following:

• Physical and functional status
  • Can the patient walk? What is the fall risk? Posture? How are the body mechanics?
• Joints, supporting muscles, and soft tissues
• Neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary (heart and lungs) systems
• Physical activity level
• Does the patient require special equipment or devices, such as modified footwear, splints, crutches, or other walking aids?

After the examination is completed, the physical therapist will develop a plan using various treatment techniques with the intention of helping the patient regain motion and mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent any further damage or disability. In whatever setting it may be, physical therapists work closely with their patients in order to prevent the loss of mobility, which brings us back to the topic of efficiency and productivity. These two components are absolutely critical to the recovery of a patient, as it is on the physical therapist to help the patient become fit and well through a personalized wellness-oriented program. Physical therapists not only help individuals get back range of motion and the ability to walk and perform daily tasks more readily, but their job is to assist people in achieving healthier and more active lifestyles. By being both productive and efficient, they are able to do this successfully, time and time again. Whether an elderly patient is suffering from arthritis or an athlete has sustained a serious sporting injury, a physical therapist can help. To learn more about Classic Rehab’s Arlington, Bedford and Grand Prairie physical therapy offerings, please do not hesitate to contact us.