CHOOSING YOUR PHYSIO
Most of my referrals come through ‘word of mouth’ and I have to say, it has been and still is, by far my best marketing tool. I treat you, you like the results and you tell one or two people or maybe you leave a review on Google. Today, social media marketing is so influential and when someone tells you about Distinct Physiotherapy the first thing you probably do is ‘Google’ the company, maybe you check out the Twitter page and if you like what you see you scan it all, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. The ‘word of mouth’ game is so much bigger than it used to be and in some ways I’m grateful for that. I use my social media platforms as a way of connecting and interacting with you. It also gives you an idea about whether I’m the kind of physio you really want to work with! But firstly let’s check out the ground rules because despite the fact that physiotherapists are Chartered and registered, I still hear people saying that they saw someone who was ‘sort of a physio!’. Can you see the perplexed look on my face?! After a four – year part time degree and a four-and-a-half-year part time Masters programme, I can tell you that there is a difference between a qualified physio and a ‘sort of physio!’
- Qualified and Registered
Your Physio should be Chartered (they will have the letters MCSP after their name). This means that they are registered with the Healthcare and Professions Council (HCPC), a regulator set up to protect you, the public. If you can’t find your physio on the register why not drop the HCPC an email to check them out – remember your health and safety comes first (registration@hcpc-uk.org) and your physio won’t know that you’ve looked them up!
- Experienced and knowledgeable
This comes in all shapes and sizes! Degrees, Diploma’s, Masters, years of experience. Quite frankly as a lay person it can be a minefield trying to find a physiotherapist that might suit your needs, particularly when you needed them yesterday.
I have a Masters in physiotherapy and an accreditation as a highly skilled physiotherapist. Of course I am very aware as to how this benefits my patients. My ability to critically evaluate your complaint is efficient and my treatment plans are super effective. Before I completed my Masters, I worked with Arsenal women’s football players and Tabard rugby football players. I also broadened by clinical experience working in both private and public healthcare. For me, variety is the spice of life and as a result of my experience I successfully treat a wide range of patients. Consider your physio’s work experience and interests. Do they coincide with yours and how much does that really matter to you?!
- Approachable and professional
On average you will spend at least 30 minutes with your physio, so if he or she isn’t your ‘cup of tea’ you might not enjoy your physio journey. This doesn’t mean that you and your physio will become the best of friends but you will need to share some of your personal information and depending on your disability, injury or illness your recovery period could take some time and mentally that can be challenging. I think it’s important for you to feel completely comfortable throughout your physio journey. It means you’re open to ask questions and this will inevitably improve your experience.
Here at Distinct Physiotherapy we offer a FREE 15 – minute phone consultation or a 15 – minute physical consultation for £15 at one of our clinics. If you would like to discuss your injury with a highly specialized Chartered Physiotherapist, why not give us a call on 07914 268508. Alternatively, if you would like to get booking straight away then please use our online booking link: