Frequently Asked Questions
What is Physical Therapy Commonly Used for?
- Spinal Pathology: Back and neck injuries and post-surgical care.
- Orthopedics: Fractures, joint separations, dislocations, soft tissue trauma, total joint replacements and post-operative treatment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Bursitis, tendinitis, capsulitis, hemorrhage, ruptures, etc.
- Neurological Conditions: Nerve injuries, spinal cord injuries, polio, strokes, nerve inflammations, etc.
- Arthritis Management Body Mechanics: Scoliosis, posture and preventative health care.
- Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: Heart attacks, heart disease, post-operative vascular repairs, etc. Arthoplasties: Total joint replacements (i.e., hip, knee, fingers, toes, etc.)
Other commonly used areas are as follows:
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Does my insurance cover Physical Therapy?
Most insurance companies cover physical therapy, including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Workers' Compensation, PPO contracts, medical - legal, and other private insurance companies since it is prescribed treatment by your physician.
What is expected of me while going through Physical Therapy?
We use the team approach to physical therapy and you are the most important member of the team. You will take an active role in your rehabilitation along with your therapist, assistants and aides. Our clinical team is committed to improving your health and personal well being. This is the most important part of our care plan.
What do I do if I injure myself?
Muscle strains, ligament sprains, mild or severe and each injury differs depending on the amount of swelling present. When a body part is injured, there is a tearing of this tissue. This causes bleeding. In order to slow the bleeding and, therefore, the amount of swelling, ice packs should be put on the injured area for the first 24 - 48 hours. A good principle to remember is R.I.C.E.: Rest the injured area; Ice the area; Compress the injury using an Ace bandage firmly wrapped around the area and Elevate the injured body part to reduce the swelling.
As with any medical problem you may have, seek proper medical attention if your symptoms persist.
Who are Physical Therapists?
Physical therapists, or PTs, are health care professionals who evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. PTs assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, junction of heart and lungs and performance of activities required in daily living, among other responsibilities. Treatment includes therapeutic exercise, cardiovascular endurance training and training in activities of daily living. More than 120,000 physical therapists practice in the U.S. today. Average annual income is between $50,000 and $70,000, depending on geographic location and practice setting. Physical therapists in private practice may earn more than $100,000 annually.
What are the educational requirements for becoming a Physical Therapist?
The minimum educational requirement is a four-year college degree in physical therapy from an accredited education program. However, an increasing number of physical therapists choose to obtain a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Currently, more than 130 colleges and universities nationwide offer professional education programs in physical therapy.
Where can I get more information on the Physical Therapy profession?
There are several sources available. You can contact the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at: http://apta.edoc.com/
You can also contact the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at: http://www.ppsapta.org/c/contactus.cfm
