Who uses Physical or Rehabilitative Therapy?
Those who benefit most from Physical Therapy are individuals who are in need of restoring injured body parts, increasing flexibility, or building strength. We also help improve posture, which if left uncorrected, can cause damaging musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, we help patients who have undergone surgeries and who are in need of therapy to regain optimal physical functionality.
What should I bring with me to my first appointment?
Please bring any important medical history, a list of your medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements), allergies and a list of prior doctors. We also recommend bringing in a list of any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to have ID and Insurance cards. Make sure you can see and hear as well as possible. If you have them bring your glasses and/or hearing aides as well as any lab, diagnostic, or medical reports from other health care professionals that relate to the reason for your physical therapy appointment.
What will happen during my first visit?
Your first session with your physical therapist is called an initial evaluation. During this session, your physical therapist will spend time with you to learn about your condition, your previous level of function, and how your condition is affecting your life. They will then take specific measurements of the impairments that may be causing your problem and put together a treatment plan for you.
Does physical therapy hurt?
Physical therapy is not meant to hurt, but to alleviate pain. However, as you are working to restore your mobility, your pain levels may fluctuate. You may experience some temporary muscle soreness from using weakened areas or areas that are recovering. This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Maintaining good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick relief and back to normal activities.
What should I wear?
We highly recommend you bring comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing or athletic wear to our physical rehab clinic because oftentimes we will be stretching or exercising you. Your clothes should also allow us to evaluate your area of injury, so please dress accordingly. As for footwear, we suggest comfortable, closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers. If you have any questions, please contact us prior to your first appointment.
How long does each visit take?
The initial visit takes a little longer than the subsequent visits due to the paperwork that you need to fill out, in addition to the completion of the assessment process. Normally, initial appointments are 60 minutes and most subsequent appointments are 40 minutes.
How long will I need physical therapy?
You will need to attend physical therapy sessions until you and your therapist decide that you have reached your desired level of function or that further therapy would not be beneficial. Often therapy will also be monitored by your physician.
When should I start seeing improvement?
Improvement depends on the same factors associated with how long treatment will take. We make a treatment plan for you, which includes follow up and regular maintenance visits to our physical rehab clinic. If at any point you feel like you are not progressing at a satisfactory rate, we will collaborate with you and modify your treatment plan. We will always keep you informed about your progress.
Will you keep in contact with my doctor?
After your initial evaluation we will send a copy of the examination to your doctor along with progress notes at regular intervals.
Will I see the same physical therapist every time?
We will make every attempt to schedule you with the therapist you desire to see. However, there may be times when another physical therapist or physical therapist assistant will treat you to accommodate your schedule. All of our physical therapists and assistants are fully-licensed or certified and enjoy delivering high-quality care.
Will my insurance pay for therapy?
Insurance coverage varies greatly. Generally, most insurance companies pay for physical therapy. The total cost of physical therapy can vary depending on the condition and your health insurance coverage. We do our best to keep cost down but please note, your copay or coinsurance is dictated by your insurance provider, not our clinic. We recommend that you call the benefit number listed on your insurance card to check on your insurance benefits before you start therapy. If you do not carry insurance, cash payment plans are available. As a courtesy to our patients we will call to verify your benefits for therapy services. Please remember that a verification of benefits IS NOT a guarantee of payment. We are often quoted incorrect information and can only relay what we are told by your insurance company.
Do I need a physician's referral for physical therapy?
Some insurance companies, typically HMO policies and ALL MEDICARE policies, will require that you get a physician's referral for physical therapy, which you need to bring on your first appointment. Medicare requires the patient to be seen every 30 days by their physician to continue with therapy. Please note, a Chiropractor cannot refer a Medicare patient. Prescriptions are valid for 30 days following the date of the script. Private insurance companies may or may not require that you obtain a prescription. Some require a direct referral from your primary care physician (PCP). In all cases, it is important to call to verify this information with your insurance prior to starting treatment.
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes, we are a Medicare provider. Medicare covers 80% of physical and occupational therapy services. The remaining 20% is the patient's responsibility unless you have a supplemental insurance. As a courtesy we bill all secondary insurances. Currently there is a Medicare cap in place for outpatient therapy services.
Do you accept private insurance?
We participate with most health insurance plans; however it is very important to call for benefits prior to attending therapy to ensure that services will be covered. We will call to verify your benefits for you.