Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)
- Why are people
referred to physical therapy?
- What should I
expect with physical therapy?
- How long will I need
physical therapy?
- Who will see me?
- Who pays for it?
- Do I need a
referral?
You and others may be referred to physical therapy because of
a movement dysfunction associated with pain. Your difficulty with moving
part(s) of your body (like bending at the low back or difficulty sleeping on
your shoulder, etc.) very likely results in limitations with your daily
activities (e.g. difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to play sports,
or trouble with walking, etc.). Physical therapists treat these movement
dysfunctions and their associated pains and restore your body's ability to move
in a normal manner.
STEP 1: EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
The Key to successful rehabilitation and recovery is a complete
evaluation and assessment. The physical therapist's evaluation will
include the following:
Assessment of which muscles are lacking strength.
Testing of joint biomechanics for dysfunction.
Breakdown of your injury or symptoms step by step.
STEP 2: HANDS ON MANUAL THERAPY
A Physical Therapist's greatest asset is their hands.
A Physical Therapist's hands can mobilize dysfunctional tissue and
joints. This will assist you in a speedier, more complete recovery.
Through the use of manual therapy, the physical therapist is able to
provide pressure and resistance when and where it is needed most.
This technique is used throughout the movement for functional
strengthening and optimal muscle control.
STEP 3: MUSCLE RE-EDUCATION
Once the areas that require the most help have been identified, the
therapist will design a personalized comprehensive exercise regime.
The goal of the program is to re-educate and restore the muscles
involved.
STEP 4: MAINTENANCE AND PREVENTION
The key to a complete and successful restoration of function, is
learning how to prevent an injury or dysfunction from reoccurring.
This is not an easy question to answer. You may need one
visit or you may need several months of treatment depending upon your condition.
Your physical therapist and your doctor will help you decide how long you will
be treated.
In most cases, you will be evaluated by one of our staff and
he/she will also treat you during subsequent visits. . Unlike some
clinics where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important
to develop a one-on-one relationships with you to maintain continuity of care.
Since only one physical therapist knows your problems best, he/she is the one
that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery.
In most cases, health insurance will cover your treatment.
Click on our insurance link above for a summary of insurances we accept and make
sure you talk to our receptionist so we can help you clarify your insurance
coverage.
In California, you do not need a referral to be evaluated by a
physical therapist. However, in order for a physical therapist to deliver
treatment, an established diagnosis must be obtained from a doctor or
chiropractor. If you don't have a doctor, call us. We work with some
of the best in town.
