Is Your Injury Specialist the Right Fit?
- noelgarvan
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
Choosing the right clinic for your recovery is a major decision. Whether you are dealing with a sports injury, chronic back pain, or post-operative rehab, you need to know that your time and money are being well-spent.
In this guide, we’ll show you the signs of a good injury specialist, the "red flags" that suggest you should look elsewhere, and exactly how to evaluate progress so you can get back to peak performance faster.
1. Top Signs of a Good Physiotherapist
Active Listening: A good physio won't just look at your MRI report. They will ask how the pain affects your daily life—whether that’s walking the dog in the Park or playing a match on Sunday.
The 80/20 Rule: They focus on active recovery. While "hands-on" manual therapy (like massage or dry needling) feels good, roughly 80% of your long-term results should come from exercise and lifestyle changes they teach you.
Clear Goal Setting: They should provide a clear roadmap. You should leave your first session knowing your diagnosis and roughly how many weeks it will take to see results.
2. Red Flags in Physical Therapy
If you notice these patterns, it might be time to seek a second opinion. Red flags in therapy aren't always about safety; often, they are about a lack of modern, evidence-based care.
The "Cookie-Cutter" Approach: Do they give everyone with back pain the same printed sheet of exercises? Your rehab should be tailored specifically to your body and your goals.
Over-Reliance on Machines: If your entire session consists of being hooked up to an ultrasound machine or TENS unit while the they leave the room, you aren't getting the value you deserve.
No Home Exercise Plan: If they don't give you "homework," they aren't empowering you to heal. You spend 167 hours a week outside the clinic; that’s where the real work happens.
Indefinite Treatment: A therapist who wants to see you twice a week "forever" without a clear end date or re-evaluation is a major red flag.
3. How to Evaluate Progress
Recovery isn't always a straight line, but you should definitely see a trend. Here is how to evaluate progress effectively:
Objective Milestones
Range of Motion: Can you bend further or reach higher than you could two weeks ago?
Strength Levels: Are you able to lift heavier weights or perform more repetitions of your rehab exercises?
Pain Intensity: Are your "flare-ups" becoming less frequent or less intense?
Subjective Gains
The "Comparable Sign": Pick a specific task you currently struggle with—like putting on socks or running 1km. Re-test this every two weeks.
Sleep Quality: Many patients find that as their injury improves, their sleep becomes less disrupted by pain.
Summary: Is Your therapist the Right Fit?
In Ireland, a standard session costs between €50 and €80 in 2026. To get the best value, choose a clinic that prioritises education and movement over passive "quick fixes."
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