What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy, or P.T. is a body-centered approach to healing. An initial assessment will reveal any imbalances or limitations in movement in your physical body and determine how this impacts any symptoms you may be experiencing. Many hands on techniques and modalities can be utilized during treatment including soft tissue mobilization (such as massage and myofascial release), positional release, muscle energy technique, joint mobilization, passive and active stretching, neuromuscular facilitation or re-education. Active treatment with work on posture, breathing, movement strategies and exercise is involved as well.
Which techniques will the practitioner use during treatment?
Treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis. Each body is unique and may respond differently to treatment. Clients will help to develop the plan for treatment through their experience and feedback.
What does Physical Therapy treat?
Physical therapy can address most body-related pain syndromes including the following:
- headaches
- neck pain
- TMJ pain
- Shoulder pain (caused by rotator cuff impingement, partial tear, adhesive capsulitis etc)
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Upper back/rib pain
- Lower back pain (caused by herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis etc)
- SIJ pain
- Pelvic floor pain/incontinence
- Hip pain (caused by arthritis, bursitis etc.)
- Knee pain
- Ankle pain
- Foot/toe pain
- Pregnancy or post-partum related pain
- Balance disorders
This is a partial list- please consult with a P.T. to see if your diagnosis can be treated.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
An initial assessment will identify areas that we will work on in P.T. and outline a plan for frequency and duration of treatment.
How long will treatment sessions last?
The initial consult will last between 75-90 minutes. Subsequent appointments will be 60-75 minutes.
How successful is Physical Therapy in treating my diagnosis?
This depends on a number of factors that are unique to your body and situation but can be helped by employing the self-management strategies that are given to you in therapy. These may include self-massage, stretching, breathing, postural work and movement/exercise with instruction on how often to practice these at home
Is Physical Therapy compatible with other forms of healthcare?
Yes, P.T. can be a good adjunct to other treatment modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic, psychotherapy, massage, energy work etc. Talk with your therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
Does insurance cover Physical Therapy treatment?
Most insurance plans offer coverage for Physical Therapy, however plans vary with amount of coverage per year as well as co-payment arrangements for treatment. Physical Therapy services at Heartwood may be re-imbursed through your insurance, but at an out-of-network rate. You will be given a super-bill to submit to your insurance provider for re-imbursement. If you have medicare as your primary insurance please speak with a therapist in advance to discuss your coverage.