As a physical therapist and TailorCare Clinical Navigator, I have worked with thousands of patients in my career, each with unique symptoms, histories, and goals for rehabilitation. These experiences underscore the need for personalized, specialized care. This is where the importance of specialized physical therapy comes in. Matching patients with the right specialist can be a powerful catalyst for effective treatment and optimal outcomes.
Over the last 30 years, the physical therapy profession has evolved significantly, with more therapists now specializing in areas like orthopedics, women’s health, or sports. As a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, I underwent a year-long residency after completing my doctorate. The intensive training I received in clinical practice guidelines and technical skills has enabled me to provide higher-quality care.
Investigating the Complex World of Physical Therapy through a Specialized Lens
Physical therapist specialists are comparable to medical specialties. Just as a primary care physician (PCP) refers patients to a dermatologist for complex skin conditions, general PTs often refer patients with complex diagnoses to specialists. Physical therapists can specialize in 10 areas, including orthopedics, neurology, and women’s health
Research consistently shows that patients treated by specialists experience better outcomes and reduced costs. For example, fellowship-trained PTs have been shown to improve functional outcomes, orthopedic PT specialists are more efficient, reducing the number of sessions needed to achieve the same results (with savings of about $300 per interval of care).
A Chronic Low Back Pain Patient’s Journey to Recovery
At TailorCare, I recently navigated care for a 69-year-old with chronic low back pain who had tried numerous treatments—without success. He pursued numerous pain management approaches, including injections, chiropractic and physical therapist care, pain medications, and even a surgical consultation. At our initial call, he expressed feelings of hopelessness and frustration at the failure of treatments, and he missed his life on the golf course.
Unfortunately, this patient’s experience is not unique. Data shows that only one in three patients receive evidence-based care.
After reviewing his history and understanding his goals, I connected him with an orthopedic-certified specialist. Within a month, he noticed improvements. Although still in some pain, the specialist’s focus on goal-specific exercises gave him hope and helped him get back on the fairway without surgery.
Breaking Down the Basics of Physical Therapy
Healthcare is not one-size-fits-all and finding the right provider is critical to success. TailorCare’s model is purpose-built to match patients with the most appropriate specialist for their individual needs, advancing meaningful, efficient, and successful rehabilitation. As a Clinical Navigator, I guide patients on this journey, listening to their past experiences and matching them with providers who can deliver the most effective care.
The journey to recovery can be complex, but finding the right physical therapist can make all the difference. Patients experience better outcomes and renewed hope for the future by emphasizing specialized, targeted interventions.
By Kate Elliott, PT – TailorCare Clinical Navigator
Kate Elliott is a physical therapist and Clinical Navigator with TailorCare. After completing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Florida, Kate went on to complete an Orthopedic residency program and earn her Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). She also holds a certification in Pelvic Health physical therapy. Kate worked in outpatient orthopedics for over four years and has experiences with many populations, including athletes, geriatrics, post-op, runners, and vestibular rehab.
Kate is passionate about patient education, especially in the chronic pain population. She loves to build relationships with her patients and learn their goals to connect them with the right provider. She enjoys helping patients advocate for themselves and ultimately return to what they love.