Physical Therapy is the process by which trained and licensed individuals provide care that is for diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health.

Physical therapists are trained in two things: how the body should work in its “normal” state and how to recognize and then provide care for the abnormal or dysfunctional states.  Through their training, therapists learn to recognize abnormal states of the body, abnormal mechanical movement and overall dysfunction’s.  From this information a treatment plan that is non-invasive is established. 

The principal of Physical Therapy is different from other disciplines.  As physical therapists, we believe that over a relatively short time we will impart change on the body that will alter its current dysfunctional state.  Unlike these other disciplines, as part of physical therapy treatment the patient learns proper care of the condition to prevent reoccurrence of similar dysfunction’s in the future.

What do I need to get started with physical therapy? 

In most cases, your insurance will require that you have a prescription or referral from a physician or specialist.

If you do not wish to submit for payment of services through your insurance, then in most cases you do not need a prescription or referral.

Your first therapy appointment will consist of an evaluation, consultation and treatment.  During this evaluation and consultation the physical therapist will obtain information regarding your physical condition as well as a detailed history of the condition.  Based on this information, a treatment plan is established specific to your needs and condition.  The therapist will outline this plan, explain your condition, educate you on proper care and treatment, and then initiate treatment as indicated based on the evaluation.

After your initial visit it will be necessary for you to come to therapy over a period of time (usually 2 times per week for 3 – 4 weeks).  Your therapist will detail this plan for you at the time of your evaluation.  During subsequent treatment visits you will be treated by a team of clinicians and staff members who are all licensed and trained in the field of physical therapy.  Together they will oversee your care and guide you through the recovery and therapy process

At the completion of therapy you will be instructed in the appropriate activities, return to activity, and continued care for your specific condition.  If you like, you may continue to use our facility for our Medically Supervised Fitness Programs.

Generally your first visit (evaluation and consultation) will last up to one hour.  Each subsequent follow-up appointment will last anywhere between 45 minutes to one hour.

This varies by your condition and what specific things you will be doing during your treatment sessions but here are some general things to remember:

• Neck:  Any dress is appropriate.  It may be necessary for you to change into a treatment gown such that we can better address your treatment issues.

• Shoulder:  Generally a tee shirt is most appropriate.  This may need to be removed for some aspects of the treatment (gowns are provided when necessary).

• Elbow and hand:  Any dress is appropriate.

• Back, hip, and spine:  Generally a tee shirt is most appropriate.  This may need to be removed for some aspects of the treatment (gowns are provided when necessary).

• Knee:  We will need to be able to expose your knee so shorts or pants that pull up past the knee to mid thigh would be helpful.

• Foot and ankle:  Any dress is appropriate