The Most Common Questions We Receive about Physical Therapy

Patients who start physical therapy for the first time might have questions about the process. Whether they are referred by a physician or choose to go to physical therapy on their own, there are some common questions that come up at the first appointment.

Jan Scott, PT, is the Director of Unity and United Memorial Medical Center Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation and shares her answers with anyone who might want to know more about the process.

Why did you choose to go into physical therapy?

I was always interested in working in healthcare but wanted to know more about the various opportunities. I volunteered at one of the local hospitals when I was in high school and learned about Physical Therapy there.

I loved the idea of helping people return to the activities which were most meaningful to them and being able to work with a variety of individuals with different issues and concerns. I transitioned to outpatient orthopedic physical therapy from acute care shortly after being hired by Park Ridge Hospital.

What conditions benefit from physical therapy?

There is a variety of conditions that we work on with our patients to help them improve and reach their goals. Some of those include:

• pain in or injury to the:
  • ankle
  • back
  • elbow
  • foot
  • hip
  • knee
  • neck
  • shoulder
  • wrist
• headaches
• pre-operative and post-operative rehabilitation
• dizziness
• fall prevention
• balance and gait
• strengthening
• swelling/lymphedema

What types of treatment do you offer?

Our staff is trained and certified in an array of various methods of physical therapy. Treatments may differ depending on the reason why you are going to physical therapy.

Treatment options we offer are both provider-directed and patient-focused, such as:

• manual therapy techniques/soft tissue work
• joint mobilization
• stretching
• strengthening
• stabilization
• balance
• functional mobility
• vestibular retraining
• pain reduction
• reducing inflammation

We also have specialty areas, including:

• aquatic therapy
• concussion management
• hand therapy
• lymphedema
• neurological rehabilitation
• vestibular rehabilitation
• women’s health

What does a first visit look like?

An initial evaluation will last approximately 30-45 minutes. The physical therapist will get to know the patient and their primary concerns, discuss their medical history and provide a comprehensive evaluation based on subjective, objective and specialty testing specific to the diagnosis provided.

The physical therapist will then create an individualized treatment plan with the patient. Together, they will determine goals and ensure everyone’s expectations.

Depending on the patient, treatment may start during the first session and include exercises or strategies to work on at home.

Which kinds of providers work at a physical therapy practice?

All physical therapists will have at least a Bachelor of Science. Many have masters, and most have a doctorate level degree in physical therapy (DPT). Most DPT programs are seven years.

Some clinics have Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) on staff, similar to a Physician Assistant. PTAs are able to provide nearly all the same treatments as a physical therapist, but do not conduct discharge evaluations. They can progress the patient through their program and update home exercises working collaboratively with the physical therapist.

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a chiropractor?

Chiropractors and physical therapists can have similar treatment strategies and will even work in conjunction with one another for some patients.

Where the practices diverge are in two main areas: traditional vs. alternative medicine, and timeframe.

Chiropractors practice a form of alternative medicine that focuses on properly aligning the body, usually the spine, with health benefits and pain relief resulting from regular maintenance. They may also have regularly scheduled appointments with patients, along with acute care visits as needed.

Physical therapists practice traditional medicine and specifically focus on functionality and movement. Their ultimate goal is to guide a patient to return to the level of function they had before they started physical therapy so they no longer require follow-up visits – often within a set amount of time.

Are there specialized physical therapy treatments you offer?

Physical therapists specialize in either orthopedic or neurologic rehabilitation. We see both pediatric and adult patients, but are currently not treating infants or toddlers. We are happy to assist families in finding appropriate centers for children who may require early intervention services.

Primary care, orthopedic, and neurologic providers are a good resource as to whether a patient should do physical therapy or alternative healthcare. We maintain open lines of communication with our referring providers, and keep them up to date on the progress of our patients, as well as any concerns that may arise if patients are not meeting their goals as expected.

Is physical therapy painful?

“No pain, no gain” is not our motto.

We work to keep our patients as comfortable as possible while keeping them on track to meet their goals. Throughout the rehabilitation process, therapists communicate with their patients with the knowledge that some things might be difficult to get through at first, but to keep focusing on their end goal.

Hands-on treatments and other methods of therapy help with pain management, functional movements, and reducing inflammation. We teach our patients strategies they can use to cope between visits, as well.

Will I see the same therapist during every visit?

We strive to work with the same patient from evaluation to discharge; however staffing may vary depending on schedules and availability.

Keeping the same therapist-patient relationship is ideal. The therapist develops a good rapport with the patient and understands their case more thoroughly, which can generally improve patient outcomes sooner than expected.

For times when patients are scheduled with another therapist, our team works collaboratively to ensure patient needs and goals are clearly defined and we are able to assist with moving the patient through the program. 

Can I attend physical therapy without a referral?

In New York, yes. Patients are allowed to undergo physical therapy through direct access. Most insurance policies cover physical therapy – with the exception of workers’ compensation, no fault, and Medicare/Medicaid.

Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company for confirmation of direct access eligibility prior to scheduling the first appointment.

Patients who are eligible for direct access can attend physical therapy for a maximum of 10 visits within a 30-day time frame. Visits after this will require a physician’s referral.