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What is the difference between physical and occupational therapy?
Physical therapy in general works on gross motor function, such as running mechanics, walking, strengthening and balance.
Occupational Therapy works on Activities of Daily Living, how to integrate your life functions at home and at work, hand writing, fine motor hand controls, cognitive aspects.
We can both treat for pain and transitional movements such as bed mobility, transferring chair to bed, sit/stand, sitting balance.
We usually advocate for both PT and OT services if we see that there are a lot of aspects of life and pain that needs to be integrated. Like having 2 sets of eyes, plus yours, we do better when we team up to improve your health and lifestyle. Once you get to our clinic and discuss with the therapists, you will have a clearer idea what you will do in OT/PT sessions. Call us if you have questions.
Does physical / occupational therapy hurt?
Our treatment will help reduce your trigger points or referred pain areas, which will help you feel better.
The only time that someone MUST have pain, is to prevent joint contractures. For example, surgeries to the joints of the knee, elbow, or fingers, and now the patient is unable to move to full range. We might have to work on these areas including stretching the tissues more rigorously, and the patient would have to work hard to activate the muscles to help increase the range of motion. We recommend the patient to take pain medications before coming in. This is unavoidable to prevent more surgeries to release these adhesions. We do try our best to warm up the area and soften the tissues before the active exercises, to minimize discomfort.
Who chooses which physical / occupational therapist I go to?
We take care of your whole body health – We do not accept just a patch up job of treating body parts! As soon as you get into our door, you become our friend for life. We care about your pain and function. We want you happy and improved!
Often, your physician will give you a recommendation or a listing of physical/occupational therapists in your area. Sometimes your insurance company will guide you with regard to who is “in network” for your insurance plan. Ultimately, however, the decision as to where you receive your care is up to you. If you have a specific request, you need to let your physician or insurance company know. If we are not in network for your insurance company most plans have out-of-network benefits that will allow you to choose your physical/occupational therapist.
We accept Medicare, Tricare, Medicaid for kids, Staywell, UHC, and other insurances, Care Credit, private pay. We will work with you to get you the best treatment!
What is my responsibility in therapy?
What should I bring with me?
Bring these for your first visit:
- Insurance card, Driver license or identifications, Therapy prescriptions
- Credit card if you are paying privately or for copays (we do not accept cash)
- Reports, MRI, X-ray results, and any other forms that may have been sent to you
- Equipment that you are currently using: wraps, braces, splints, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.
- Medication list with dosages and frequency.
- If you like, you can also take photos of your home or office, bathrooms, to discuss activities of daily living and ergonomic questions.
- Write down a list of questions that you want to ask and goals that you want accomplished short/long term- Don’t be shy- Let’s get you better!
Will my insurance cover physical /occupational therapy?
What is the co-pay for physical /occupational therapy?
What should I expect on my first visit?
We come up with a sensible plan to help you, and guide you in improving as fast and safely as possible.
We will send your evaluation to your physician(s) as needed so that everyone’s on the same page with your therapy progression.
What types of interventions may I receive?
Then we work hands on with you to help you feel better immediately. We teach you activities and exercises to improve mobility, flexibility, balance, motor coordination, sensory integration, etc. We use wrappings, electrotherapeutic modalities, lasers, etc, to help treat you to the best possible improvement.
How long is a typical treatment session?
How long is a course of therapy?
How is my progress measured?
We have objective tests as well as getting your opinion on your own progress. We send reports and recommendations to your physicians as needed to be sure you are getting comprehensive care.
Ultimately, when You are a happy healing patient = goal accomplished!
What if I have an increase in symptoms?
Call us if you need anytime. We will discuss the next step, whether you need to come in for treatment, or if you should contact your physician. We can send the physician a report to update him/her on your progress or difficulties.
I have never had physical / occupational therapy before, how do I know that my treatment is of good quality?
When you go to a place that puts you in with a bunch of other people doing the same thing every day, you are not at the right place. You need to see us instead!!!
Will I need follow-up or maintenance care?
When you go to a place that puts you in with a bunch of other people doing the same thing every day, you are not at the right place. You need to see us instead!!!
What if I need to return to physical / occupational therapy?
When you go to a place that puts you in with a bunch of other people doing the same thing every day, you are not at the right place. You need to see us instead!!!