Physical Therapy FAQ
Do I need a referral from a physician for an initial evaluation?
No, in the states of Texas, one may be evaluated for physical therapy services without a prior referral. However, at this time, if further treatment is deemed necessary, a patient must receive a prescription. Physicians, dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists, physician assistants, and advanced nurse practitioners of all types (midwives, clinical specialists, FNPs) can prescribe physical therapy.
Why do I need physical therapy?
According to the Texas Sate Practice Act, physical therapy is “a form of health care that prevents, identifies, corrects, or alleviates acute or prolonged movement dysfunction or pain of anatomic or physiologic origin.” Physical therapy will not only restore movement and enable improved quality of life, but can prevent one from having injuries as well. For example, pain radiating into the leg after bending to tie a shoe, or inability to sleep on your shoulder are mechanical disorders. A physical therapist is licensed to treat that movement disorder and restore normal function. By working with the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and nerves, a physical therapist can help you bend over or raise your arm without pain. Only professionals licensed by the state board can practice physical therapy.
What can I expect during my first visit?
Upon being greeted and escorted to a treatment room, you will be met by an expert, licensed physical therapist. The two of you will discuss your history and concerns, including the reason for your visit and factors related to your present condition. The therapist will discuss personal goals and medical history while utilizing special tests to determine if physical therapy services are an appropriate intervention. The therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation enabling the therapist to provide a diagnosis. The therapist will thoroughly explain their findings as well as provide you with a thorough treatment plan. This will include what to expect throughout your course of treatment, what you’ll experience during your visits, and how many visits we feel you will need to reach your goals! Additionally, you will be provided a home program to assist you in reaching those goals. A new patient should plan to be with the therapist for about an hour.
How should I dress?
Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement. If arriving from another activity, feel free to bring a change of clothes.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring your driver’s license or form of picture identification, your insurance card if you plan to utilize insurance benefits, and your prescription from a healthcare provider. If you have reports from other providers in reference to your case, please bring them. They are helpful but not mandatory!
Is physical therapy painful?
Our goal is to help alleviate your pain. We do not believe that efforts to reduce pain need to inflict more first. When your muscles and joints learn how to move properly, therapy actually makes you feel better! In some circumstances, the physical therapist may have to use techniques to help you restore movement to a stiff or even contracted joint. We will work closely, always communicating to provide the best experience. We want you to be relaxed and we will do all we can to ease the pain during the process.
What interventions may be performed or included in my session?
Exercise: Utilizing state of the art as well as traditional components in a upscale, multi- factorial facility. including but not limited to Pilates, TRX, Functional Movement, Sport Specific. Optimizing your movement includes but not limited to: core stabilization, postural endurance and motor control and muscle balance.
NeuroMuscular Reeducation: Pain and injury cause our CNS to inhibit muscle activation of the skeletal system. Our experts use techniques to help you turn that system back on and improve its function all together! This includes balance, proprioception
Functional Activities: We use state of the art as well as evidenced based practices that will help you perform the activities YOU enjoy performing.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, restore soft tissue and improve range of motion throughout. Techniques include but not limited to: manipulation, mobilization, myofascial release, soft tissue massage
Functional Dry Needling: Functional Dry Needling, or FDN, is an intervention utilizing a solid, monofilament needle inserted directly into a taut band of muscle or a trigger point with the goal of decreasing pain, increasing range of motion, and improving function. Our practitioners have completed extensive certifications in the specialty of dry needling.
Modalities: Therapeutic agents such as ultrasound, ice, moist heat, electrical stimulation, cryosphere, ice massage, mechanical traction, cupping and ASTYM may be incorporated.