Question 1

What is the purpose of Physical Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Definitions taken from American Physical Therapy Association:
 
Orthopedic Physical Therapy- Focuses on prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal (muscles, joints and bones) dysfunction, such as general low back pain, knee injuries, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome and work place injuries.
Neurological Physical Therapy- manages either congenital or acquired neurologic disease, dysfunction, or trauma, including Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), myasthenia gravis, spinal cord injury, stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Geriatric Physical Therapy- is concerned with the conditions of aging, such as arthritis, balance problems and osteoporosis.
Home Health Physical Therapy- provides services in the home and other alternative settings in the community. Home health providers manage a number of conditions depending upon their expertise.

Question 2

Does insurance cover the cost of physical therapy at home?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, your physical therapy treatment is reimbursed in the same manner as if you went to an outpatient office. We are a Medicare provider and will bill other insurance companies. A deductible and/or coinsurance may apply. For your convenience, we will verify your insurance benefits prior to your first visit.

Question 3

What will I need to start physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

You will need a prescription from your doctor that orders PT and specifies a diagnosis and frequency of treatment. On your first visit have your prescription and insurance cards available. Dress comfortably with loose clothing that will not impede movement. Your first visit will include an Evaluation of your condition with tests and measures of muscle strength, range of motion and flexibility. Gait analysis and postural assessment are performed if applicable. Your problem areas will be identified, goals will be discussed and a treatment plan will be devised to meet your specific needs. You will be issued a Home Exercise Program that will be periodically updated.

Question 4

What will my treatment include?

Accepted Answer

Your treatment plan will be developed to address your needs.
 
Modalities of moist heat, ultrasound, and electric stimulation are used to decrease muscle and joint pain, decrease inflammation, assist with soft tissue extensibility, reduce muscle spasms, improve local circulation, and increase muscle contraction.
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Manual physical therapy techniques are used to improve active and passive range of motion (ROM), soft tissue mobility and for relief of chronic pain.
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Therapeutic exercises are strengthening and ROM exercises used for restoring function of Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as dressing, lifting objects overhead, transferring out of bed or out of a chair and overall endurance.
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Gait and Stair training exercises aim at optimizing safety and endurance while reducing or eliminating the need of assistance or device.
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Neuromuscular Re-education exercises use weight shifting and balance techniques to improve stability and safety with dynamic activities.

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