What is a Physical Therapist and what do they do?

Physical therapist are highly trained, licensed and degreed healthcare professionals that help patients reduce muscle and joint pain; and help to restore mobility, function and range of motion through specific treatment plans. Physical therapist treat all areas and joints of the body including, neck, back, shoulders, knees, hips wrist, ankles and elbows. They also treat the following conditions:

• Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
• Gait/Balance Disorders
• Neck and Back Injuries
• Osteoporosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Golf/Tennis Injuries
• Foot and Ankle Injuries
• Post surgical care (knee replacements, hip replacements, spinal surgery).

Why should I see a physical therapist?

If you are experiencing muscle and/or joint pain (i.e. back, neck, shoulders, knees, etc.) which affects your quality of life, occupational duties, and recreational activities (i.e. exercise, playing with your kids/grandchildren, etc.) you should see a physical therapist. Most muscle and joint problems will not resolve themselves. While ice and rest may work in the short term, it does not address the cause of the problem. Physical therapist identify the problem, treat it, and education patients on how to prevent or reduce reoccurrences.  

Physical therapy may also help to reduce your dependence on pain medication and delay surgery. 

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit is considered an evaluation. During your evaluation our physical therapist will discuss and review your . . . .

• Medical history
• Current muscle and joint problems
• Pain intensity
• The impact and affects of your injuries/pain on your activities of daily living, work and recreational activities 
• Goals and expectations 

Afterwards our physical therapist will conduct a physical assessment/evaluation which may consist of:

• Palpation – This is when our physical therapist will touch areas of your body to check for muscular tenderness, soreness, and tightness. 
• Range of Motion (ROM) – Our physical therapist will move your joints in various directions to check for restrictions (i.e. limited range of motion) 
• Test of Strength – Our physical therapist will assess your strength typically by asking you to contract various muscles and muscle groups to determine the quality of those contractions and level of strength. 
• Neurological Screening – Our physical therapist will check to see how the nerves and muscles are communicating to one another by assessing movement reflexes, and your response to pain, touch,  vibration. 
• Plan of Treatment – Once our physical therapist has completed your evaluation he or she will provide you with a report listing your problems and how to treat them. Your treatment plan will also include home exercises, educational material, and frequency of follow-up visits. 

How should I come dress for the first evaluation and follow up sessions? Come dress in light clothing if possible. The area/joint being treated should be assessable. So if your shoulder is being treated wear a tank top or t-shirt. If knees, try to wear shorts. under your pants.

Does my health insurance cover physical therapy? Most health insurance companies will cover all or a portion of the total cost for physical therapy services. You may have out of pocket expenses such as co-pays or deductibles, which is determined by your health insurance carrier.  Once you complete our intake form (add link) we will contact your health insurance provider to verify your benefits and copay/deductible requirements. 

How much is the co-pay? Co-pay cost vary with each health plan. Once you complete our intake form (add link) we will contact your health insurance providers to verify your benefits and copays. 

Do I need a referral from my primary care physician for physical therapy? Our physical therapist are under Direct Access which allows patients to be seen by a physical therapist without the need of a referral from their physician. Direct access laws vary by state.  In Pennsylvania we can treat patients for 30 days without a physician’s referral. After 30 days, we will be required to obtain a physician’s referral, if further treatment is necessary. 

Can you summarize the entire process from start to finish? 

1. Complete our online Physical Therapy Client Intake Forms
2. We will verify your benefits, the maximum amount of visits, co-pay, and deductible requirements. Within 24-48 hours someone from our office will call you, explain your benefits for physical therapy, financial responsible (i.e. copays and deductibles) and schedule your initial evaluation. 
3. During your initial evaluation our physical therapist will review your medical history; assess your injuries and range of motion; review your goals; and conclude with a treatment plan and suggested follow up visit frequency. 
4. If further treatment is necessary after 30days from your initial evaluation we will require a referral from your physician. 

Can you come to my place of employment to treat me? Yes we can. We call this our Onsite Physical Therapy Services.  A partnership is typically established with your employer to coordinate and organized visits directly at your worksite. If you believe your employer is interested in our Onsite Physical Therapy Services please ask them to contact us at (888) 406-8388 or by email info@healthfitnessconnections.com 

How do I get started? 

Complete the our secure online Physical Therapy Patient Information & Physical Therapy Patient Intake Form. Click here to get started.