What is an initial evaluation?

An initial evaluation is considered your first visit as a patient of our clinic. A free wellness screen does not count as an initial evaluation. The initial evaluation is a more detailed visit with your physical therapist to determine a plan of care to best treat your condition. Often this includes a conversation about your condition, health history and goals. These visits often include stretches and exercises. Following your initial evaluation, you will work with us to schedule your next visits to help you get back to doing life better.

How often do I need to come for physical therapy?

This depends on your individual needs. You and your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan together. This usually consists of two to three visits per week depending on your condition.

What do physical therapist assistants do?

Physical therapist assistants are licensed clinicians who work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. Like physical therapists, they help patients recover from injuries, regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapist assistants treat people of all ages.

Can I make a physical therapy appointment for my child?

Absolutely! We provide treatment services for pediatric therapy and can work closely with your physician, schools and early childhood intervention program. Our therapists have experience working with children of all ages.

Can I avoid surgery if I do physical therapy?

Physical therapy, for some conditions, has been found to be as effective as surgery. Consider physical therapy before undergoing expensive and invasive surgeries.

Can I avoid taking opioids or other pain killers?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safe alternatives for long-term pain management. Physical therapy is a safe alternative. Physical therapy treats pain through hands-on care, movement and education.

What are common symptoms and conditions that physical therapy can help with?

Physical therapy can help with a wide variety of symptoms and conditions including but not limited to: ankle and foot pain, arthritis and joint pain, athletic injuries, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, chronic pain, disc injuries, fall prevention and balance training, fibromyalgia, hand, wrist and elbow pain, headaches, hip and knee pain, low back and neck pain, mild stroke, nerve impingement, neurological rehabilitation, sciatica, shoulder pain, spine conditions, sprains and strains, stenosis, tendonitis, tennis or golfer’s elbow, temporomandibular joint and jaw pain, vestibular therapy, women’s health and worker’s compensation injuries.

What if I have a new injury while I’m being treated?

We are here to help! Please let your physical therapist know of any other issues or new injuries. We work on the entire body, so chances are we can help you. If physical therapy is an option for treating your new condition, we may modify your current plan of care to accommodate your new injury. Or we may establish a separate plan of care to address the other condition(s). We’ll work with you to determine the best path to get you better.

Why do I have to do exercises?

Physical therapists’ end goal is for patients to get to the point where you can maintain on your own. In order to do that, they will push you beyond your comfort zone a little bit. Physical therapists will encourage you to go beyond what you think you can do to help you get back to being independent.   Most people only go to therapy a few times each week. Stretching and strengthening exercises need to be done almost daily to get the improvement you need. And yes, physical therapists can tell if someone is doing their home exercises or not.

Why does physical therapy take longer than I had thought?

Physical therapy takes patience and perseverance. Different injuries and tissues require certain amounts of time to repair themselves. Trying to speed up the process increases your risk for re-injury. Physical therapy is not a quick fix and if you want lasting results you need to see the program through to the end.

What is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?

Physical therapy deals with the entire body and physical therapists focus on walking, balance and overall strength. Occupational therapy specializes mainly in the upper extremities, arms and hands and is very task-oriented and focuses more on fine motor skills, memory exercises and cognitive strategies. It is common for both physical therapists and occupational therapists to work with doctors, nurses, social workers, speech or recreational therapists.

What is a free wellness screen?

A free wellness screen is a great opportunity to meet with a therapist to talk over your concerns. We don’t even collect your insurance information. It truly is a free visit. It’s not time consuming, it helps you determine next steps for your care and it’s a good introduction to how physical therapy may help you.