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Physical Therapy Questions and Answers
1. What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is considered a conservative treatment method addressing the treatment, healing and prevention of injuries and disabilities. Physical Therapy focuses primarily, but not solely, on pain relief, promoting healing, restoring function and movement, facilitation and adaptation associated with injury. Other areas that are focused upon within Physical Therapy are ergonomic (body mechanic) training, fitness/wellness, and especially education.
2. What can a Physical Therapy program do for me that I cannot do on my own?
Many individuals may think that they know how to properly exercise, manage their pain and rehabilitate themselves. I have commonly been given explanations from individuals for why they do not need therapy - i.e.: "I have had this before and I know what works for me" or "I know what is causing this, because my neighbor had the same thing so I will just do what she did" and attempt to manage themselves. A Physical Therapist is a specialist skilled and educated specifically in proper rehabilitation. We are continually educated as to management for different dysfunctions and work closely with the referring healthcare provider in the development of a rehabilitation program specifically designed for each individual. The other important aspect to remember with Physical Therapy is that each individual is different. We all have different types of bodies, different patterns of movement, different alignments and different habits. A Physical Therapist, along with trained staff, monitors each individual and attempts to correct improper habits, alignments and movement patterns.
Most importantly with therapy is education. Because of healthcare guidelines and reimbursement changes, your healthcare provider may not have the time that they need to explain to you exactly what your injury/dysfunction/disability is and why/how it occurred. Your therapist is specialized in this and many times will be the one to educate you on the specifics of your problem and what the course of action will be to correct it and hopefully prevent it from reoccurring. Physical Therapy focuses on education, correction and prevention.
3. How long is it going to take?
This is such a popular question. It seems that everyone has to have timelines, which is understandable because we all have lives to lead. Your Physical Therapist is aware that rehabilitation can be an imposition. Because each person is different, rates of progression are different. If the therapist and you decide Physical Therapy is right for you, we usually schedule two or three 30-40 minute visits each week. We can usually get an idea of your progression within 2-3 weeks. Even though you have other things to do, your rehabilitation is important and takes time just as injuries generally have taken a significant amount of time to progress to the point of injury or pain.
I also want you to realize that even though we are here teaching you and rehabilitating you, it is your responsibility to do your Home Program. This is a major factor in how quickly one recovers and progresses.
4. What will I have to do in therapy?
Therapy generally encompasses pain relief, strength and flexibility training, proper postural alignment, regaining movement or range of motion, improving and correcting posture, endurance training, relaxation and stress relieving techniques, balance and coordination training, proper transferring, proper walking, education, safety awareness and development/ implementation of a home exercise program.
Remember that each individual is different, so each rehab/physical therapy experience and program is different. Be patient with yourself, your healthcare provider and your Physical Therapy staff. Healing takes time, diligence and compliance.
5. Can I get physical therapy without a doctor's referral?
You may receive a screening or examination; however, prior to initiating treatment you will need to get a referral from a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, chiropractor (except Medicare beneficiaries), podiatrist, or dentist. A referral is required prior to treatment in order for your provider to determine if diagnostic studies are necessary prior to treatment or prescribed medications to compliment the physical therapy plan. Also, insurance will not cover physical therapy without an appropriate referral. You can request physical therapy from your healthcare provider and generally there is no problem in receiving a referral.
6. Can I receive women's health services without a referral?
As with all diagnoses requiring rehabilitation services, a physician's referral is required to receive PT for such "woman's health" diagnoses as incontinence, pelvic pain, osteoporosis, etc. With a referral, PT is covered by most insurances and Medicare.
7. I have a question regarding my bill - who can help me?
We can put you in touch with our billing representative who handles your account. They can set you up with a payment plan, or answer any questions about your account that you may have. We can also take your name and telephone number and have our representative from the business office promptly return your call.
8. I had physical therapy there a year ago, I am now having the same problem. Do I still need to see a doctor first?
The law is the same as in #1 above, but there often is a practical reality that can simplify the procedure. If it is the exact same complaint and you are otherwise in good health, try calling the physician's nurse and asking for a referral. This saves you and the physician's time and money, and we'll certainly evaluate you to rule out any other contributing factors that would warrant physician intervention.
9. How do I qualify for Home Therapy?
In order to qualify for a home health therapy 1) You should be home bound (meaning it's very difficult or taxing to get out on your own) 2) You will need a physician's referral for home health care. 3) You will need to require a skilled service, i.e., Physical Therapy, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy etc.
10. Do you sell hot/cold packs or braces?
No, but we can help provide you information on how to get the appropriate equipment to fit your needs. We work with a company that you can call and they will deliver your order to your home. Also, you can visit Broken Beauties to order unique, fashionable and attractive arm slings, cast covers, crutch covers, cast toe coverings, hot/cold therapy packs and more.
We look forward to meeting and working with you. Please contact us if you have questions.
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