Physical Therapy Frequently Asked Questions.
Below is a list of some of the frequently asked questions about SportsPTI. If you have a question which isn't on the list then please don't hesitate to contact us for an answer.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy involves the direct treatment of physical
injuries or "dysfunction." We work to assist people in returning to
their previous functional status. The emphasis is always on the
goals that the patient has in mind. This can be as simple as
returning to daily activities, or as advanced as retuning to sports
activities. The goal of PT is also to educate the individual on the
underlying cause of their symptoms/injury in order to help
them prevent a recurrence of problems in the future.
Who can benefit from Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy can help people with both acute and chronic
conditions and can help people of all ages. People of all
health and fitness levels are candidates for physical therapy
depending on your injury. Physical therapy is not just for
individuals who have had a specific injury or surgery. Some of our
patients suffer from chronic aches and pains without ever having
had a specific injury. Contact the office closest to you for more
information and to see if you are candidate for physical therapy at
Sports Physical Therapy.
What is involved in the Physical Therapy process?
If you decide to become a patient at Sports Physical Therapy, we
will assist you in every way possible on your road to recovery.
After scheduling you initial evaluation, the patient will be
required to fill out all necessary paperwork prior to
treatment. During the evaluation your history of the
symptoms and functional limitations are discussed, followed by a
thorough physical examination of the injured site. This assessment
includes analysis of strength, flexibility, joint
mobility, range of motion, posture, and body mechanics of the
involved side compared to the non-involved side to determine the
proper course of treatment. We then develop a manual treatment
program that addresses all of these specific findings in addition
to a stretching, and strengthening program to be completed during
your visit. A customized Home Exercise Program is also developed
and given to the patient to perform when he/she is not in PT.
What do I need to do for my first visit?
First you must call the office where you would like to attend
physical therapy and schedule your initial evaluation. For your
convenience we have posted most new patient forms on this site
under the "forms" link. There you can print out the
necessary new patient forms and fill them out prior to your
appointment. You will also need to bring your insurance
card(s), a photo ID, the prescription from your doctor if you
have one and your referral (if required).
How long does the Initial Evaluation take?
Plan on your first visit taking approximately 60 minutes.
Your physical therapist will first evaluate your current condition.
The therapist will then create an individualized program specific
to your injury as well as design and instruct you on your Home
Exercise Program.
How long will my follow-up visits take?
After your Initial Evaluation, your standard visits will take
approximately 30-45 minutes. Please note that these programs
are individually customized, so each program will vary in time
based on the patient's particular requirements. Please note, your
physical therapist may ask you to arrive 15 minutes early prior
your scheduled appointment time to warm-up.
If I have questions about my Home Exercise Program, should I call or wait until my next visit?
Please call our office if you ever have any questions regarding
your treatment or your home program. We would prefer that you speak
to your Therapist to confirm that you are doing your exercises
properly. Doing your exercises properly will help avoid any further
injury.
How often will I need to come to Physical Therapy?
Your therapy schedule will be constructed based on the
recommendation of your doctor and your therapist. People can either
come in for a single visit to obtain a home program, or schedule a
number of visits that often range from 12-24 visits. The average
schedule is 2-3 times per week and depends on the degree of
injury/dysfunction and the available time of the patient.
What should I wear to Physical Therapy?
For your comfort and to allow access to the injured area by
your therapist, please wear loose, comfortable (gym
style) clothing and sneakers. Please be conscious of attire
specific to your injury. Example: neck or shoulder injury, wear a
tank top, knee or hip injury, wear shorts, etc. We have locker
rooms for your changing needs. If you need to change clothes,
please allot enough time so that you can start promptly at your
scheduled appointment time or 15 minutes earlier if your therapist
would like you to warm-up.
Do you have a locker room?
Each clinic has a locker room where you can change and secure
your belongings. Some clinics also have shower facilities.
What are my benefits for Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy benefits vary
depending on your insurance carrier. Our staff will verify physical
therapy benefits as a courtesy to you. Verification of benefits is
not a guarantee of payment. You are responsible for knowing your
insurance benefits and the coverage for physical
therapy as well as for the payment of your account. If your
insurance requires a referral it is your responsibility to obtain
one prior to your first visit. You are ultimately responsible for
any and all charges for professional services whether or not they
are paid for by the insurance carrier.
Do I need a prescription?
A prescription is not usually required.
Although please note that some insurance carriers may require a
prescription and Medicare ALWAYS requires a prescription.
What is a referral and how do I know if I need one?
A referral is an authorization
generated from your Primary Care Physician allowing you to see a
specialist. The referral is on-file with your insurance carrier and
is valid for a specified number of visits as well as a specific
range of dates of service. Not all insurance carriers require a
referral to see a specialist. It is the patient's responsibility to
obtain the referral from your PCP prior to your first physical
therapy visit.
Should I let your office know when my next doctor's appointment is?
Communication between your healthcare team is vital to your
recovery. This includes sharing information regarding your injury
between your physical therapist and orthopedist or primary care
physician. To maintain the open lines of communication, please let
your physical therapist know one week in advance of your doctor's
appointment. This will enable the therapist to reevaluate your
progress and provide a report to your physician.
What if I change insurance carriers during my therapy duration?
Please let the front office know as soon as possible if your
insurance carrier will be changing. Failure to have correct billing
information on file with our office may result in lack of insurance
coverage for those visits, and ultimately become your financial
responsibility.
Can I keep in touch with my physical therapist after I am discharged?
We encourage an open line of communication. When a patient is
discharged from physical therapy, not only do the therapists feel
it is ok to call, it is recommmended. Sports Physical Therapy is
your physical therapy source for life. Open communication ensures
that if any symptoms recur, or another injury happens, we can
address them immediately.