What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is defined as therapy for the preservation, improvement or restoration of movement and physical function impaired by disability, injury or disease. Successful treatments utilize a combination of therapeutic exercise, physical modalities such as (heat/ice, cold laser, electric stimulation) assistive devices, manual therapy techniques, and patient education.
How do I choose a Physical Therapist?
When choosing any Doctor is important to consider the following expectations are being met. Ask yourself, can my therapist…..
- Provide a comfortable and professional environment?
- Answer my questions throughout the course of the treatment about my diagnosis and prognosis?
- Treat me on an individual basis including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques as well as a home exercise program to improve outcomes?
- Encourage preventative measures to help maintain a healthy lifestyle?
First appointment: What you should bring with you.
Ideally, you should come wearing athletic and comfortable clothing. If you have a prescription from a doctor, please remember to bring it with you, as well as a photo id, insurance card, and any test results you have, such as an MRI.
How long is each treatment?
Because patients’ treatments are developed on an individual basis, treatment times will vary. Your physical therapist will prescribe a program that will improve joint mobility, increase strength and correct muscle imbalances contributing to your pain. The average time you should expect to spend at Physical therapy is about an 1 hour. Initial evaluations are approximately 1.5 hours.
Does your health insurance cover payment of costs?
We are happy to assist you. If you have any questions about whether your health insurance covers the costs of your treatments, we’d be happy to assist you- just call us at 516 227-5344 or come into our office.
Do I need to see a physician before starting physical therapy?
A prescription from a physician is usually necessary so that your insurance carrier will cover your treatment. This can be from your primary MD, orthopedist, physiatrist or Nurse Practitioner. Some insurances honor Direct Access which allows your Physical Therapist to treat you for 12 visits or 30 days based on their comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of your condition.
What is Direct Access?
In conversation with our patients, we realized that many don’t know that Physical Therapists in New York State have direct access. This means you DO NOT have to see a physician before being evaluated by a PT. Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) are skilled professionals that can differentially diagnose, recognize red flags, and implement appropriate exercise and rehabilitation plans ranging from orthopedic to neurological issues.
Yes, under Medicare, No Fault, and Workers Compensation guidelines you DO NEED to be under a MD’s care with monthly check ups. Under most NYS insurances, you can see your PT for 30 days or 10 visits and be confident we can diagnose, treat, and eventually refer you to the appropriate healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist.