What is a physical therapist? Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.
What type of patients do physical therapist treat? Patients include people who have limitations in their daily lives because of pain or loss of motion. This can include sports injuries, accident victims, and individuals with disabling conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, lung disease, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.Therapists examine patients’ medical histories and then test and measure strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness.
What happens at the first visit? We will perform a one hour examination to determine what conditions are affecting you. Together we will determine the best course of treatment specific to you and your goals.
How do I dress? Most people come in sweats or gym clothing. We ask that you wear something comfortable and that will allow you to expose the area that we are treating. For example, if we are treating your shoulder wear a tank top, for a knee problem wear shorts.
What should I bring to my first appointment? Please bring a photo ID (preferably a state license), health insurance card and medical prescription from a medical doctor if applicable. Also, if you have any medical information related to your condition please bring a copy, or have your doctor mail or fax it to us before your appointment.
How long will the session take? The initial evaluation and treatment will last approximately one hour. Treatment sessions thereafter can vary from 30 minutes to one hour depending on your condition.
How many times a week do I need to come, and how many days/months will treatment last? Frequency and duration of treatment also varies and is determined on an individual basis. Some patients require just one visit and others need to come in several times per week. We stay in communication with your physician and other health care providers regarding your progress and together we will determine the appropriate duration and frequency of care.
Can I make payments? If your insurance company doesn't cover the cost of expenses and the fee is larger than you can pay at the time, we will gladly set you up with a short or long payment plan.
What type of insurance policies do you accept? We accept a variety of insurance plans, for a detailed list click here
What if I don't have insurance? If you don't have an insurance provider, we accept cash, checks and credit cards. We provide a 50% discount for patients who pay at tthe time of service is rendered. Payment plans are also available.
Can I get a copy of my medical records? Of course, just ask and we will be happy to provide you with a copy.
Resources:
American Physical Therapy Association www.apta.org
