FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

During your first appointment, here's what you can anticipate:

1. Ensure your paperwork is completed before arriving; you can download it from our website under the paperwork or forms link.

2. If you have a referral for physical therapy, provide it; if not, let us know when scheduling your initial visit (note that a referral may not always be required).

3. We'll make a copy of your insurance card.

4. The therapist will conduct the initial evaluation, discussing:

   • Your medical history.
   • Current problems or complaints.
   • Pain intensity, aggravating and easing factors.
   • Impact on daily activities or functional limitations.
   • Your goals for physical therapy.
   • Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.

5. The objective evaluation may include:

   • Palpation: Checking for tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, temperature, and inflammation.
   • Range of Motion (ROM): Assessing joint movement and restrictions.
   • Muscle Testing: Checking strength and muscle contraction quality.
   • Neurological Screening: Evaluating nerve communication, sensation, and reflexes.
   • Special Tests: Conducting tests to confirm or rule out additional problems.
   • Posture Assessment: Evaluating joint positions relative to the ideal.

6. The therapist will identify your problems and formulate a treatment plan with your input. This plan includes:

   • Frequency of therapy sessions per week.
   • Duration of the therapy.
   • Home programs.
   • Patient education.
   • Short-term/long-term goals.
   • Expectations post-discharge.

This collaborative plan is developed with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation and treatment, it's advisable to wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the specific area being assessed. Consider the following guidelines:

1. Knee Problem: If your concern involves the knee, wearing shorts is ideal.

2. Shoulder Problem: For issues related to the shoulder, a tank top is a suitable choice.

3. Low Back Problems: If you are dealing with low back problems, opt for a loose-fitting shirt and pants. This attire facilitates a thorough examination.

By dressing in a way that exposes the relevant area, you enable the therapist to conduct a detailed assessment and provide effective treatment.

Each treatment session is typically scheduled to last between 30 to 60 minutes per visit.

The number of visits needed is highly variable. It can range from just one visit to several months of care, depending on factors such as your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, and your medical history. Regular re-evaluations will occur monthly, and progress reports with recommendations will be provided to you and your doctor during your visits.

Opting for physical therapy proves advantageous for several reasons. More than half of Americans grapple with pain, be it a recent episode or a chronic condition, as highlighted by an ABC News/Stanford study. What sets physical therapy apart is its ability not only to address pain but also to target its root causes.

Physical therapists specialize in treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. As pain frequently accompanies these movement issues, physical therapists are adept at correcting the underlying disorders, providing relief from pain in the process. This dual focus on addressing both the symptoms and the source makes physical therapy a highly effective choice for individuals seeking comprehensive care.

Physical therapists play a crucial role in healthcare, focusing on movement and function to enhance patients' well-being. While many may associate physical therapy with addressing orthopedic issues like back pain or post-surgery recovery, the scope of a physical therapist's work extends to various aspects of health.

Physical therapists are skilled in helping individuals with orthopedic problems, aiding in pain reduction, and restoring function. Additionally, they contribute significantly to the recovery of patients who have experienced events like strokes, assisting them in regaining limb use and walking abilities.

The importance of maintaining an upright posture and the ability to move freely for daily tasks cannot be overstated for overall health. Physical therapists go beyond treating illness; they actively engage in injury prevention, loss of movement prevention, and even work in industrial settings to optimize workplaces, minimizing the risk of muscle overuse and preventing conditions like low back pain.

Preventive care is a significant aspect of physical therapy, with therapists serving as consultants in various settings. This includes designing preventive exercise programs for athletes, conducting screenings to identify potential issues, and providing consulting services for recreational activities like golf and fitness.

Therapeutic exercise and functional training are fundamental components of physical therapy. Beyond hands-on care, physical therapists educate patients on self-care and independent exercise routines. Joint mobilization, muscle massage, and the use of modalities such as ultrasound, hot packs, and ice are among the techniques employed to promote proper movement and function.

It's important to note that while other practitioners may offer similar treatments, only qualified physical therapists or physical therapist assistants, who undergo a comprehensive education program, can provide true physical therapy. Direct access to physical therapy is available in all 50 states, allowing patients to consult a physical therapist without a physician referral in many cases.

Insurance coverage for physical therapy varies, and the services encompass a broad spectrum of conditions and preventive measures. Patients interested in exploring the benefits of physical therapy can inquire with their doctors or directly contact a physical therapist for more information on direct access.

Reference: APTA

Deciding between a physical therapist working for a physician and one owning a private practice is a personal choice, but certain facts may influence your decision. Research indicates that patients attending physician-owned physical therapy practices tend to receive more treatments, with visits per patient being 39% to 45% higher. Additionally, the cost of treatment is greater in physician-owned clinics, with both gross and net revenue per patient being 30% to 40% higher.

Another study suggests that in physician-owned clinics, licensed and non-licensed therapy providers spend less time with each patient, and physical therapy assistants may substitute for physical therapists.

Moreover, a historical study found that therapists practicing through direct access (the ability to seek physical therapy without a physician referral) were more likely to believe that it benefited them professionally and their patients.

In contrast, private practice physical therapists aim to provide high-quality care in a cost-effective manner. Working closely with your physical therapist, private practices often ensure that the same therapist manages your case from the beginning to the end of your treatment experience.

Citations:

1. Mitchell, J., Scott, E., "Physician Ownership of Physical Therapy Services: Effects on Charges, Utilization, Profits, and Service Characteristics," Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992.
2. "Joint Ventures Among Health Care Providers in Florida," State of Florida Health Care Cost Containment Board, 1991.
3. Domholdt E, Durchholz AG. "Direct access use by experienced therapists in states with direct access." Phys Ther. 1992 Aug;72(8):569-74.
4. Federal Office of the Inspector General, May 1, 2006 - This report questions billing processes done by non-physical therapist owned practices.

In the majority of cases, health insurance will cover the cost of your treatment. To check which insurances we accept, you can click on our insurance link above for a summary. Additionally, it's essential to communicate with our receptionist to clarify the details of your insurance coverage and address any questions or concerns you may have.

You will be evaluated and treated by one of our licensed and extensively trained physical therapists. This same therapist will continue to work with you during subsequent visits, ensuring a consistent and personalized approach to your care. In contrast to some clinics where patients may see different therapists at each visit, we prioritize building a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Having the same physical therapist throughout your treatment allows for a deeper understanding of your concerns, promoting a more effective and efficient recovery process.

For many patients, a primary goal of physical therapy is pain relief, which is often achieved through a variety of approaches. Hands-on techniques, modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, and temperature therapies such as heat or cold may be used. Additionally, movement itself can provide pain relief. Your physical therapist will tailor exercises not only for pain relief but also to restore range of motion, strength, and endurance.

In certain situations, physical therapy techniques can indeed be painful. For instance, regaining knee range of motion after a total knee replacement or restoring shoulder range of motion post-surgery may involve discomfort. Your physical therapist will employ various methods to help you achieve your treatment goals. It's crucial to communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of any pain to your therapist. This information enables the therapist to make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring a balance between therapeutic progress and your comfort.

There are various treatment interventions used in physical therapy, tailored to individual needs. Here is a list of some common interventions:

1. Active Range of Motion (AROM):

   • Patient lifts or moves a body part through range of motion against gravity, often used for arthritis.

2. Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM):

   • Therapist-assisted active range of motion, beneficial for gentle stretching or strengthening in weak body parts.

3. Stationary Bicycle:

   • Utilized for improving strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular endurance in the back or lower extremities.

4. Gait or Walking Training:

   • Analyzes walking problems by examining interactions during different stages of walking, addressing various issues.

5. Isometrics:

   • Muscle contraction without joint movement, prescribed for strengthening without stressing the joint.

6. Isotonics:

   • Muscle(s) contract through the range of motion with resistance, commonly prescribed for strengthening.

7. Soft Tissue Mobilization:

   • Therapeutic massage performed with hands, used for muscle relaxation, swelling reduction, and pain relief.

8. Mobilization:

   • Hands-on procedures to increase soft tissue or joint mobility, prescribed for pain relief and increased mobility.

9. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF):

   • Manually resisted exercises in diagonal patterns, mimicking functional movements for neuromuscular retraining.

10. Posture Training:

    • Instruction in correct biomechanical alignment to reduce strain on muscles, joints, and other soft tissues.

11. Progressive Resistive Exercises (PRE):

    • Gradually increasing resistance exercises for muscle reeducation and strengthening.

12. Passive Range of Motion (PROM):

    • Patient or therapist moves the body part through a range of motion without using active muscles.

13. Stretching/Flexibility Exercise:

    • Exercises designed to lengthen muscles or soft tissues, improving flexibility.

14. Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy:

    • Application of cold to reduce swelling and fluid leakage in response to injury, commonly used in acute injuries.

15. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES):

    • Application of electrical stimulation to aid in improving strength, reducing pain, swelling, and muscle spasm.

16. Neck Traction:

    • Gentle pull on the neck, manual or mechanical, for relief of neck pain, muscle spasm, and unloading the spine.

17. Heat:

    • Recommended to decrease chronic pain, relax muscles, and provide pain relief (not for acute injuries).

18. Iontophoresis:

    • Medications propelled through the skin by electrical charge, commonly used for conditions like bursitis.

19. Pelvic Traction:

    • Longitudinal/axial pull on the lumbar spine for relief of low back pain and muscle spasm.

20. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):

    • Low-voltage electrical stimulation applied to painful areas to control pain and reduce drug dependence.

21. Ultrasound:

    • High-frequency sound waves applied for healing, helpful for ligament healing, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle spasm.

22. Whirlpool:

    • Immersion of a body part into water with massaging motion for pain relief and preparatory to stretching or exercise.

These interventions are selected based on the individual's condition and treatment goals.