What is physical therapy?

Physical Therapy is a form of health care committed to evaluating, treating, and healing injuries and disabilities of the movement system. Physical Therapy takes a hands-on approach to:


What is the difference between a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Physical Therapist?

Doctors of Physical therapy are licensed health care professionals who have achieved the highest level of education to evaluate and treat patients with neuromusculoskeletal impairments. Our team of Doctors is licensed to examine, evaluate and treat all aspects of the movement system and diagnose those movement impairments that may cause joint dysfunction and pain.

Doctors of Physical Therapy examine various functions of the movement system such as range of motion, postural alignment, balance, and muscle strength in order to assess deficiencies that are causing the patient pain or are resulting in a decrease in movement and function.

What type of treatment will I receive during physical therapy?

All our patients will receive hands-on manual therapy from a Doctor of Physical Therapy such as therapeutic massage, joint mobilizations, manual traction, myofascial release, mobilization with movement (MWM), MEDEK, as well as many other advanced techniques.

Other treatment may include the use of modalities such as, moist heat, cold packs, whirlpool, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, TENS, and mechanical traction.


In addition to manual techniques and modalities, the patient will play an active role in his/her treatment. The patient will be instructed in a proper Home Exercise Program in order to maximize strength, flexibility, and function.



What is required to attend physical therapy?

In 2007, New York state passed a law introducing "Direct Access" to Physical Therapy. This means that patients may receive a Physical Therapy evaluation and 10 treatments (or up to 30 days of treatment) of physical therapy without a referral. All treatment under "Direct Access" is covered by insurance. Workers' Compensation and No-Fault still require a referral from your physician.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Bring your insurance information and reports of any medical tests performed. If this is a Workers' Comp or No-Fault case, you must bring your physicians referral.

What should I wear?

Patients are most comfortable in loose fitting clothing and sneakers. We ask that we are able to examine the body part that is being treated. For example, if your knee is being examined, please bring a pair of shorts or sweat pants. Shoulder or neck examinations require a tank top or sports bra. Please feel free to utilize our lockers in the restrooms to change out of work clothes.

How long is each session?

Your initial visit will last approximately one hour. This hour is dedicated to the examination, and treatment for your pain, as well as the instruction of your Home Exercise Program. Each subsequent visit may last up to two hours, depending on the patient's functional status.

Do I need to perform my exercises at home?

Upon initial evaluation the therapist will instruct you on a Home Exercise Program. In order to maintain carry-over between visits, and expedite the healing process, adherence to your individualized Home Exercise Program is strongly recommended.

 

How often should I attend?

Prescribed programs are most effective when administered 2 to 3 times a week. Much will depend on the severity of the condition or your Physician's /Surgeon's recommendation. Those patients who are examined without a referral through "Direct Access" will be prescribed physical therapy based on the examination administered by the Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Will I always see the same therapist?

We encourage patients to continue with the evaluating Doctor of Physical Therapy. When schedules conflict, you may see another therapist.

Is privacy maintained?

We adhere to all state and federal guidelines regarding issues of patient confidentiality.

How is progress maintained?

Patients are constantly re-evaluated to ensure maximum therapeutic benefits. Patients are given a progress note to take to his/her Physician's / Surgeon's appointment.