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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What Is Physical Therapy?
  2. Who Needs Physical Therapy?
  3. What Conditions Can Be Treated With Physical Therapy?
  4. Do I Need a Prescription or Referral for Physical Therapy?
  5. What does Direct Access mean to you as a patient?
  6. Do I have a choice of where to receive my physical therapy?
  7. Will my insurance cover physical therapy services?
  8. What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
  9. What should I wear to physical therapy?
  10. How long will my treatments last?
  11. How many visits will I need?
  12. What can I do to maximize my physical therapy results?
  13. What should I expect on my first appointment?
  14. Will physical therapy hurt?
  15. What are your hours of operation?

QWhat Is Physical Therapy?

APhysical therapy is the healthcare profession of using various treatment methods performed by licensed health care professionals to resolve various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions that have interfered with your normal lifestyle. Evidence based interventions are determined after an initial evaluation. These interventions include therapeutic exercise, manual therapeutic techniques, joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, moist heat, and more. In turn, one can restore independence and provide individuals with the means to return to work, play, family, and take advantage of all life has to offer. Independence gained or retrained through physical therapy is priceless.

QWho Needs Physical Therapy?

AStatistics and research has shown nearly everyone will require the services of physical therapy at some point in their life spectrum. We are all guilty of taking our health condition for granted until we experience injury or disease that affects our ability to move pain free. At that time, we begin to appreciate our physical health. As healthcare providers and experts on musculoskeletal health, we encourage everyone to make a commitment to your long term physical health. Maintaining your physical health is not a passive endeavor, but rather an active, lifelong commitment. Physical therapy remains your best choice for prevention, management, and rehabilitation of your injury or illness.

QWhat Conditions Can Be Treated With Physical Therapy?

ABelow are some of the more commonly treated conditions we treat:

  • Joint Pain (shoulder, knee, hip, foot, ankle)
  • Neck and Back Pain
  • Any Injury due to Fall or Trauma
  • Arthritic Conditions
  • Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis
  • Poor Balance or Weakness
  • Difficulty Walking
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
  • Post-Fractures (Broken Bones)
  • Joint Replacements
  • Sports Injuries
  • Motor Vehicle Injuries
  • Work-Related Injuries
  • Muscle Strains/Sprains
  • Overuse Injuries

QDo I Need a Prescription or Referral for Physical Therapy?

AYes and No. In Florida, Direct Access legislation allows you to schedule a physical therapy evaluation and be treated for a twenty-one (21) day period WITHOUT a physician’s referral. However, some insurance plans require a physician’s prescription/referral first. Please contact our office if you have additional questions regarding direct access. If your insurance does mandate this requirement, you still have the right to receive therapy from the physical therapist of your choice. Let your physician know if needed.

QWhat does Direct Access mean to you as a patient?

AUnder Florida legislation, Direct Access means the following:

  • Immediate evaluation and treatments from your physical therapist for your condition without delay of visiting another healthcare professional.
  • Immediate consultation with your physical therapist to determine if therapy is needed or if further examination by another healthcare professional is warranted.
  • Freedom to choose a physical therapist as you would a physician, chiropractor, dentist, or other healthcare provider.

QDo I have a choice of where to receive my physical therapy?

AAbsolutely. As a patient, you have the right to request a physical therapist or location of your choice. However, some insurance plans can dictate the facility due to certain restrictions in your plan.

QWill my insurance cover physical therapy services?

AWe contract with many insurance companies, including Medicare, that support our mission to provide quality patient care while engaging in an ethical and professional business manner. We generally accept most major carriers. Contact our office if you are unsure or if we are not listed in your directory as we are constantly trying to participate in additional insurance plans.

QWhat if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

AYour appointment means that time is reserved just for you. If you need to cancel, kindly give 24 hours notice in order to allow another patient to be treated during that designated timeframe.

QWhat should I wear to physical therapy?

ATo make the most of your physical therapy treatments, we recommend you wear comfortable loose fitting clothing (sweatpants, shorts, t-shirt, etc.) that allow freedom of movement and allow easy access of the area to be evaluated. For example, shorts are a good choice for a knee or ankle condition.

QHow long will my treatments last?

ATreatments sessions vary, typically ranging from 45 to 75 minutes depending on the condition and therapeutic intervention required to assist with your recovery.

QHow many visits will I need?

AUsing information gathered from the evaluation, you will be informed in an understanding manner about your condition, findings, and the established treatment plan along with therapy goals to assist you to achieve recovery as quickly and safe as possible. Please note that the required visits depend on your condition, past medical history, prior level of functional, evaluation findings, and the professional medical opinion of both your physical therapist and physician.

QWhat can I do to maximize my physical therapy results?

ABecause you are the primary focuses of our care, your active participation is imperative to a successful rehabilitation program. The following guidelines are highly recommended to enhance the achievement of your goals.

  • Follow through with any prescribed home exercise program
  • Report any significant changes in symptoms, medications, and function
  • Keep all scheduled appointments
  • Arrive on time to all appointments to provide maximum time with your therapist.

QWhat should I expect on my first appointment?

APlease be prepared for the following upon your initial evaluation appointment:

  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete initial paperwork.
  • Bring your physical therapy prescription/referral (if applicable).
  • Bring your insurance card and picture identification.
  • Wearing appropriate and comfortable clothing is recommended.
  • Evaluation appointment should last between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Your first visit begins with our physical therapist performing a detailed evaluation which includes discussing your medical history and overall health assessment. A physical examination is conducted to assess your range of motion, posture, flexibility, strength, ability to perform special functional tasks, and more.

QWill physical therapy hurt?

AThis is solely dependent on the condition. Generally, you should not experience uncomfortable pain during the treatments and the expectations will be discussed following the initial evaluation. Some muscle soreness might be experienced, but this does not mean your condition is getting worse. Our objective is to make your recovery as comfortable as possible.

QWhat are your hours of operation?

AOur hours of operations are Monday – Friday, 7am – 6pm, and Saturday by appointment.

Give us a call today! ProStar Physical Therapy: 954.342.1177

 
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