Whether you’ve finally got your own space for your therapy business or you’re looking at places to base your business, either way, congratulations that’s a huge step!
But before any big venture, a little planning is always needed. In this blog, we will be breaking down and giving tips on how to create and elevate your therapy room!
The ins and outs
Firstly, make sure your room is big enough to have space to manoeuvre, for both you and your patient while also creating a sense of cosiness.
This gives the patient an instant sense of relaxation which allows your session to be as successful as possible. We’ll revisit the atmosphere aspect later.
Now, what is the best way to set up your physio room? Well, there are two functions, your equipment and your atmosphere.
For now, let’s focus on equipment.
Equipment
In any therapy room you need the essential, a padded bed. Make sure this is placed in the centre of the room. This becomes your centrepiece and main focus of the room, it allows room for you and the patient.
Additionally, if you are a rehab-based therapist make sure you have the need space and equipment to do exercise-based rehabilitation.
Seating
As well as this, add some seating in the room. Patients bring along a friend or companion to sessions for support so making sure their comfortability is as thought of as the patient is important.
A simple armchair or small sofa in the corner will do the part as it gives the space for the patient and physiotherapist to work.
Top Tip – Do make sure that the chair or sofa is suitable. Furniture that is too soft will be difficult for an older person or someone with a post-operative injury to get in and out of.
Health & Safety
You want to make sure the room is compliant with any health and safety regulations for both yourself and the patient. Make sure your exits are clear and easy to get to in case of an emergency.
These aspects are essential if you work alone as you never know who is walking through the door.
When placing your bed, make sure you are the closest to the door for your own safety and the safety of the patient.
You can listen to more about setting up your physio room with health & safety in mind at our podcast with Sandra & Sarah from HCPG compliance here…
Creating simple decor
Obviously, you want your space to not be four blank walls with a table in the middle. Putting up shelves or utilising plants make the space feel lived in while not wasting space.
Posters are a good visual aid for patients as well as filling up big spaces on the wall.
Mirrors are always useful as a decoration as well as a piece of equipment when describing something to your patient regarding their session.
It’s all up to your own personal taste and working around your branding but those little details create an effective treatment room.
Atmosphere
As mentioned before, creating an atmosphere that relaxes the patient is as essential as your equipment.
We mentioned decor and its effect on creating atmosphere, colour is often an often looked aspect of this.
Add a splash of colour
Colour conveys so much emotion and feeling, hence why a lot of healthcare centres utilise white as a primary colour due to its association with cleanliness.
Lighter shades of blue are associated with relaxation and safety which is something you’ll want to exude in your space.
Look into pastel/light colours and how they relate to your brand and what sensory elements you want to create.
Soundtrack
Music or sounds help create atmosphere. On a surface level it can make the room feel more welcoming and friendly, but throughout the process, this can be a utility to help the patient fully immerse themselves into the sessions.
Calming instrumental music or sounds such as rain is what you should focus on to amplify your own space of serenity.
Finding your own space
As much as these attributes are for the benefit of your patient, the person spending the most time there is you.
Make sure you feel at home in your own space and don’t forget to bring a sprinkle of your own personality to it.
It’ll make you feel at ease and will create a more laid back and trustworthy connection with clients. As they walk through the door as they feel they’re walking into your space rather than a monochrome room!
So, there are a few tips on how to set up your physio room. Whether it’s brand new or you’ve been using it for years, we hope these tips have helped you adapt for your client and yourself.
Learn More
You can also check out our other blogs that cover everything from sales, to KPI’s and leadership HERE.
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