Physical therapy is treatment to improve mobility (such as walking, going up stairs, or getting in and out of bed), to relieve pain, and to restore physical function and overall fitness. The physical therapist uses exercise, manual therapy, education, and modalities such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation to work toward these goals.
Depending on the injury, disease, or condition, physical therapy may include work on flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance. Treatment may focus on preventing problems or treating problems that affect any or a combination of the following:
Any combination of two or more of these.
Most insurance companies will pay for Physical Therapy; however, your health plan may require you to pay a co-pay or a certain percentage of your bill. For more details, you can call your insurance carrier. Or, if you are coming in for treatment, as a courtesy we will verify your health plan benefits for you before your evaluation.
Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager’s contact information. If you are covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring this information.
During your first visit you can expect the following:
The therapist will discuss the following:
The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient’s input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.
Please wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. If you have a hip, knee, or foot problem, shorts will be helpful.
Your treatment can last between 45 – 60 minutes and is based upon your current condition.
Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Massage is used for three reasons typically – to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain. Contrary to common thought, massage does not increase circulation.
Some patients feel relief after the first visit; most patients will begin to feel the results of their physical therapy after several visits. Patients usually come to physical therapy 2-3 times a week for 1-2 months, although the length of treatment may differ for each patient.
Your physician is provided with your evaluation, re-evaluation and progress notes. We’ll keep your doctor well informed of your progress throughout your entire treatment.
In order to get the most out of your treatment, it is very important to attend all your scheduled appointments. If you are unable to attend, please notify the office within 12 hours so that the schedule can be adjusted. Failure to comply with the 12-hour Cancellation Policy will result in a $25.00 fee charged to the patient.
