Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1.
Why
are people referred to physical therapy?
2.
What should I expect with physical therapy?
3.
How long will I need physical therapy?
4. Who will see me?
5. Who pays for the
treatment?
6.
Do I need a referral?
1. Why are people referred
to physical therapy?
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.
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2. What should
I expect with physical therapy?
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:
- Movement and
assessment
- Assessment of
which muscles are lacking strength.
- Testing of joint
biomechanics for dysfunction.
- Breakdown of
your injury or symptoms step by step.
- Neurological
Testing.
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. The exercise program will be specific to the
muscles which support and protect your injury or dysfunction.
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3. How long will I
need physical therapy?
This is not an easy question to answer. You may need one visit
or you may need several months of treatment, depending on your
condition. Your physical therapist and your doctor will help you
decide how long you will be treated.
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4. Who will see me?
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 relationship 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.
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5. Who pays for the treatment?
In most cases, health insurance will cover your treatment. Click
on our insurance link for a summary of insurances we accept and make
sure you talk to our receptionist so we can help you clarify your
insurance coverage.
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6. Do I need a referral?
Washington State does have DIRECT ACCESS, however, even though
you may want to, feel you need, and likely will benefit from
rehabilitative services, a final decision regarding its use may
involve others. Usually, insurance companies require a
referral/prescription from a doctor.
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