Common Questions
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Your First Visit Video
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Running time: 3-1/2 Minutes
At Atlas Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are highly educated, licensed health care professionals who are dedicated to helping their patients get results.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it.
While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, your physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels. The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.
Who uses Physical or Rehabilitative Therapy?
Those who benefit most from Physical Therapy are individuals who are in need of restoring injured body parts, increasing flexibility, or building strength. We also help improve posture, which if left uncorrected can cause damaging musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, we help patients who have undergone surgeries and who are in need of therapy to regain optimal physical functionality.
How do I know if physical therapy will help me?
Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Contact us today to discuss your current condition and even set up a free consultation if you choose.
What types of education/training do your therapists have?
Physical therapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a masters or doctorate level degree. Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.
What is the difference between a Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?
Physical Therapy (PT) works by restoring function of the legs, back, neck, and torso along with the shoulder region. PT treatment also helps patients with rehabilitation after accidents and surgery along with wound care. Occupational Therapy (OT) primarily enables people to participate in the activities of everyday life. They use careful analysis of physical, environmental, social, mental, and other factors to identify barriers to occupation. An OT therapist is involved in both cognitive and physical training to assist patients with everyday living. PT and OT both work to help patients with their needs for both physical rehabilitation and general everyday life activities.
Can I go to any physical therapy I choose?
As a patient you have the right to receive physical therapy at any place you choose. At Atlas Physical Therapy, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you need. We pride ourselves on providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free life.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today or simply fill out the schedule appointment form on this page.
What should I bring with me to my first appointment?
Please bring any records from your previous doctor, a list of your medications, allergies and a list of prior doctors. We also recommend bringing in a list of any questions or concerns you may have. Please make sure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so that you can provide us the necessary paperwork and insurance information to put you in our system. To save time, you can also print the Intake Forms located on our forms page, and bring them completed to your appointment.
To bring on your first visit:
- A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
- Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
- Print out the patient forms, fill them out and bring them with you.
- In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
What should I wear?
We highly recommend you bring comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing or athletic wear to our physical rehab clinic because oftentimes we will be stretching or exercising you. Your clothes should also allow us to evaluate your area of injury, so please dress accordingly. As for footwear, we suggest comfortable, closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers. If you have any questions, please contact us prior to your first appointment.
How long does each visit take?
Typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes. Each session after that maybe 45-60 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.
How long will I need physical therapy?
You will need to attend physical therapy sessions until you and your therapist decide that you have reached your desired level of function or that further therapy would not be beneficial. Often therapy will also be monitored by your physician.
Will it hurt?
Physical therapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain. However, as you restore your mobility, pain levels, at times can fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering. This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.
When should I start seeing improvement?
Again that depends on the same factors associated with how long treatment will take. We make a treatment plan for you, which includes follow up and regular maintenance visits to our physical rehab clinic. If at any point you feel like you are not progressing at a satisfactory rate, we will collaborate with you and modify your treatment plan. We will always keep you informed as well about your progress.
Will you keep in contact with my doctor?
After your initial evaluation we will send a copy of the examination to your doctor along with progress notes at regular intervals.
Will I see the same physical therapist every time
We will make every attempt to schedule you with the therapist you desire to see. However, there may be times when another physical therapist will treat you to accommodate your schedule. All of our physical therapists are fully-licensed and enjoy delivering high-quality care.
Do you offer programs for me once I’m better?
Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program. We can make arrangements to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment may be beneficial, and what exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery.
Will my insurance pay for therapy?
Generally, most insurance companies pay for physical and occupational therapy. Some companies only offer limited coverage or do not cover occupational therapy. We recommend that you call the benefit number listed on your insurance card to check on your insurance benefits before you start therapy.
Do I need a physician's referral for physical therapy?
Most insurance companies will require that you get a physician's referral for physical therapy, which you need to bring on your first appointment. Medicare requires the patient to be seen every 30 days by their physician to continue with therapy.
What if I don’t have insurance?
For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.