Physical Therapy FAQ
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is a discipline that blends both science and art to help individuals prevent injury or manage current health conditions, and to motivate clients during their treatment to attain optimal function. After taking a medical history and performing an examination, a physical therapist devises a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques to restore motion, reduce pain, return function, and prevent disability.
What diagnoses can be helped with Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy can be quite effective in helping impaired abilities and functions due to:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Fitness Injury
- Knee pain
- Neurological diseases
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow
- Shoulder pain
- Stroke
- Surgery
- Sprains, strains, fractures
- Traumatic brain injury
- And many more!
What makes your Physical Therapy different from others in your area?
Unlike many physical therapy practices, appointments are not overlapped or simultaneously scheduled. This allows for individualized treatment and a greater focus on patients’ needs and goals. A blend of traditional physical therapy techniques and Pilates based rehab are used for a truly global approach to rehabilitation and prevention. (Link to How to Choose PT)
Do I need to get a referral from my physician to see a physical therapist?
No. In the state of NJ people have direct access to the services of physical therapists. However, some insurance plans require a physician referral for the services to be reimbursable. For services rendered under Medicare, a physician's referral is required.
How long is an appointment?
Typically each Physical Therapy session is fifty minutes. The length of a session may increase or decrease depending on the patient’s level of function, goals, etc.
What should I wear to my Physical Therapy appointments?
You should wear comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement.
What do I need to bring to my first Physical Therapy appointment?
For your first visit please bring your insurance card, the prescription or referral from your physician (if you have one), and a co-pay, if necessary.
What insurance policies do you accept?
We are an in-network provider for Horizon BC/BS, Medicare, United Healthcare, and worker's compensation networks affiliated with OptimumHealth. New carriers will be added as they become available.
How many session of Physical Therapy will I need?
This will vary for each patient. Some patients only require instruction and education to manage their condition and then perhaps 1 or 2 follow-up visits. Others with post surgical or chronic conditions usually require more consistent care for several weeks or longer.
Do I need to bring my MRI or X-Rays?
You do not have to bring your X-Rays or MRI, but we would be interested to read any written reports you may have regarding these films.
What can I expect on my first Physical Therapy appointment?
Plan to arrive a few minutes early for your appointment to complete the necessary paperwork. You should wear comfortable clothing that allows you unrestricted movement for the evaluation. The evaluation will last approximately one hour and will include a review of your medical history and current complaints, your goals and expectations, as well as an assessment of your posture and movement. In most cases, you will be given some home exercises to help speed your recovery.
Where can I park?
Our wonderful new location has several parking options. The Maple Plaza lot is conveniently located one block from the studio, on Portland Place, in between Park Street and Midland Ave. The Fullerton Deck is located at 25 Park Street by the YMCA. Both municipal lots offer one- and two-hour metered parking. There is also free two-hour street parking on Montague Place and Midland Ave.
What is the most effective treatment for back pain?
A wide range of interventions can be used to alleviate symptoms and restore function in patients with lower back pain. Clinical research has not shown that one treatment is superior to another. Recent research, however, does show that if patients with low back pain are placed in subgroups based on a cluster of signs and symptoms, one treatment approach does demonstrate greater efficacy over others. Examples of treatment options include manipulation, stabilization, specific exercise, and traction.
Can Physical Therapy be helpful in treating dizziness?
In specific cases, yes. Dizziness can have a peripheral or central cause. The former meaning inner ear, while the latter refers to brain or brain stem. Peripheral conditions are more responsive to Physical Therapy intervention. Examples of conditions treated by physical therapists include unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypo-function and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.