We’ve all had that visit to a medical office: you wait in the waiting room for at least half an hour, only to see your provider for maybe five minutes. Finding personalized care in any medical field can be difficult, and physical therapy is no exception. Finding the right person for your treatment is imperative. But how do you choose? How do you know if a therapist you’re considering is the right one for you?

According to the CDC, 40.3% of American adults are obese, and extra weight can lead to many preventable health problems. Many overweight adults are nervous about receiving medical treatment because they have experienced stigmatization from multiple medical professionals. Physical therapy is no exception - some physical therapists use a patient’s weight as a scapegoat to take the blame for every underlying issue. It is unfortunate for anyone to experience this way of thinking, and if this is a part of your story, we can reassure you that you are not alone. A good physical therapist can help you move more throughout the day with less pain and will incorporate advice on sleep, nutrition, and recovery into your program. They will prioritize you as a person rather than just your number on the scale. If one of your goals is to lose weight and you’re considering physical therapy, we understand you may have reservations about the process. To help assuage some of your anxiety, we are answering some common questions about how physical therapy can help you move better and, therefore, feel better. Knowing these answers will give you confidence as you start a physical therapy treatment and give you hope for living the life you have imagined.

Editor's note: The author would like to thank Katherine Stone and Jesse Douglas for their contribution to this article.