FAQ
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What should I expect during physical therapy sessions?
Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.
Do I need a referral from my doctor before attending Physical Therapy?
What do I need to wear or bring with me?
You should dress in comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily. Depending on the area of your body that we are assessing, with your consent, we may need to see or touch that area and so a change of clothes may be helpful. For example, if we are assessing your knee you may want to bring shorts, or if we are assessing your shoulder you may feel more comfortable in a sports bra or tank top.
Please bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.
Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?
Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session on time and well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It would also be helpful to have copies or access to any past treatments, diagnoses or treatment plans that you have tried before. Our goal is to help you feel better on day one and so the more prepared you are, the more we can help you!
How long will my physical therapy sessions last?
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.
Are there any exercises I can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?
Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.
What if I have questions after my physical therapy session?
Your physical therapist will do their best to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan at each session. If you have further questions we will do our best to be available to answer them in between sessions. You can contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!
Will insurance cover my physical therapy?
O'Brien Physical Therapy and Wellness does not have a contract with any insurance company in order to keep our costs down and to provide you the highest quality care that fits YOUR needs and is not dictated by the insurance company. We will develop a plan of care that is best for you.
Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to submit the charges to your insurance company for reimbursement directly to you. Please inform us as soon as possible if you plan to do this and we will give you the appropriate forms needed. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physical therapy, but we cannot guarantee any reimbursement and you will need to check with your insurance company directly to determine this.
If you subscribe to Medicare, Medicaid or any other type of government insurance (even if this is only a supplemental policy) you will NOT be able to submit to them for reimbursement.
How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?
The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 1-2 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.
How long will it take for me to see results?
Our goal is on day one! However, every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!
Will my physical therapist be able to answer questions I have about my condition?
Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy, we can't help you if we don't know!
What if I feel too much pain during a session?
If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you.
How will I know when I no longer need physical therapy?
Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.