PHYSICAL THERAPY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

When we think about some of the common complaints from people who have had a negative physical therapy experience they typically sound like this:

I was handed a sheet of paper with exercises that didn’t do anything.

My physical therapist spent 5-10 minutes with me and passed me off.

I went in for a particular problem and left with a list of 100 more I didn’t know I had.

The goals my therapist made for me weren’t relevant to me.

I was constantly being pressured to schedule frequent visits when I don’t have the time.

I was constantly being put on various therapists’ schedules just to “get me in”.

What do all these complaints have in common?  They all center around the therapist and not the patient!  Look, we aren’t here to bash other clinicians or companies as there are plenty of great providers that we respect and would even allow to treat our own families.  But the truth is a lot of these issues are created by the economic machine that is the healthcare industry. The decisions that are made by the corporations at the top have profound effects on traditional physical therapy clinics, forcing them to operate with revolving doors, generic treatment prescriptions, and quick fixes to get short term satisfaction out of patients.  Despite all that, at the end of the day the patient is left with a treatment experience that feels about as authentic and personal as a microwaved can of soup.  

Right now in Portland, Oregon there appears to be somewhat of an arms race to set up a physical therapy clinic on every street corner.  All of the big box companies are rushing in to the city setting up new (or buying existing) clinics at Starbucks-like speed. While this is great for expanding the awareness of the profession, eventually the clinics will be flooded with such high volumes of patients that the patient experience will begin to suffer.  

Patients will be discharged before they are truly ready.

Patients will not receive adequate education regarding their injuries.

Exercise programs will be under-dosed and largely ineffective.

Treatments will bias passive methods that produce short-term results.

But let’s circle back to what matters to YOU.

Playing the sport you love.

Chasing your kids around the park.

Honesty.

Reassurance.

Confidence.

Independence.

At Headquarters Physical Therapy you can rest assured that when you come to us you will receive physical therapy that is catered to you and your specific needs.  We answer all your questions with honesty even if it isn’t something you particularly want to hear. We listen to your goals, your concerns, and meet your expectations with treatment that is shown to make a difference.  Whether you want to meet with us 3 times per week or just once every other week, we will make the treatment plan work with how you operate best.  

If you would like to sit down and discuss your situation without the typical pressure to buy just schedule a phone call with a physical therapist.  Unlike most clinics, you will receive a phone call (or email if you prefer) directly from a physical therapist and not a pre-written script from an administrator.  We are here to help!