Hands On Physical Therapy

Is physical therapy painful?

bernarr — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:32:00 +0000

For most physical therapy patients a main goal of physical therapy is relief from pain. This is accompl,ished by using manaul hands on techniques, use of modalities such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, moist heat/or ice therapy. Stretches also help with pain relief. Exercises you are given by your physical therapist help to decrease pain, inc`rease and restore range of motion, inc`rease strength, and endurance.

Who will I see on my first visit?

bernarr — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:07:16 +0000

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists. They work closely with you to insure a speedy recovery and that you reach all of your goals.

Who pays for physical therapy treatment?

bernarr — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:58:54 +0000

For most people, their health insurance will cover physical therapy treatment. Insurances we accept are listed on our web site. If you have one that is not listed, please call our receptionist and we will verify if we can indeed see you.

Why should I choose a private practice physical therapist?

bernarr — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:24:23 +0000

People are often confused should they see a private practice physical therapist or the facility the physician owns. Often times the physician will state he will be in better contact with the therapist at his facility. The physician is busy regardless of where you go and several days per week are dedicated to surgery or seeing patients at another location. At Hands On Physical Therapywe strive hard to be contact with your physician regularly via progress reports and phone calls as needed.

Here are some facts for you to draw your own conclusions about whether you should see the physical therapist at the physician’s facility or go to the private practice physical therapist. Studies have indicated that number of treatment are higher ( the number of physical therapy visits per patient were 39%-45% higher in physician owned clinics) and the costs were higher in physician owned practices as compared to private practice physical therapists. Up to 30-40% higher per patient. (1).(3)

Another study indicates that licensed and nonlicensed providers of physical therapy spend less time with each patient at physician owned practices as compared to private physical therapy practices. (2)

1. Mitchell,J., Scott, E., Physician Ownership of Physical Therapy Services: Effects on Charges, Utilization, Profits, and Service Characteristics, Journal of American Medical Association, 1992.

2. ” Joint Ventures Among Health Care Providers in Florida, ” State of Florida Health Care Cost Containment Board, 1991.

3. Federal Office of Inspector General May 1, 2006-Report calls into question billing processes performed by non-physical therapist owned practices.

Why are people referred to physical therapy?

bernarr — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:35:11 +0000

You may be referred to physical therapy because you have limitations in movement and have pain. You may difficulty performing daily tasks such as walking and getting dressed, playing sports, and work activities and household chores. Physical therapists are able to treat these limitations in movement and pain so you can return to your previous level of function.

What does a physical therapist do?

bernarr — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:46:53 +0000

You have probably have heard of the term physical therapy. Someone you know may have had physical therapy for treatment of low back pain. You may know a physical therapist helped people after having a stroke.

Most of us can continue to perform tasks we need to perform at home and our jobs even with some medical issues. However, when we experience pain and limited movement this affects our ability to do tasks at home and work in a negative way.

Phyical therapists are experts in movement and function. They do not just treat people who are ill. Physical therapist can prevent injury, loss of moveemnt, and prevent surgery at times. Physical therapists can work on work sites consulting on the design of work stations to prevent injuries. Physical therapists can also consult for recreational athletes how to improve their fitness level.

Physical therapists use a variety of treatments for patients. These include therapeutic exercises, hands on manual therapy, ultrasound-a form of deep heat,electric stimulation-used to decrease pain or inflammation,moist heat, ice, patient education on how to take care of themselves, and given exercises to do at home.

Physical therapy can only be performed by a licensed physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant. a physical therapy assistant has a two year degree and is licensed and can only work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.

Physical therapy is usually covered by most insurance plans. The coverage will vary from each plan. Noth Carolina is a direct access state. This means a referral from your physician is not required. Your insurance company may require one. Medicare patients need a referral from your physician.

Why should I go to physical therapy?

bernarr — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:28:43 +0000

Physical therapy is a conservative treatment approach. They are able to treat pain you may be having as well as the source of your pain. Physical therapists are experts at treating neuromuscular disorders and movement disorders and are experts in the field of exercise. Pain often goes along with a movement disorder. Physical therapists can correct the disorder and relieve the pain you are experiencing.

How many visits will I need?

bernarr — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:23:36 +0000

This varies from patient to patient. You may need 2-3 visits or you may need months of physical therapy care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your problem, and your past medical history. You be re-evaluated regularly by your physical therapist. A progress report will be sent to your physician when you follow up with them. Our recommendations will be included in this report.

How long will each treatment last?

bernarr — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:06:05 +0000

Your first visit will last about 90 minutes. Follow up visits will last about 60-75 minutes.

How should I dress?

bernarr — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:04:04 +0000

You should wear comfortable loose clothing. If you are being seen for your knee, is best to wear/bring shorts. If you have a shoulder problem a tank top works best. If you have a low back problem try to wear a loose fitting shirt and pants. This enables the physical therapist to perform a thorough examination.