Tips & Advice
What should I expect from a physical therapy consultation?
At the first appointment with a physical therapist, Expect an overall assessment of your condition, which may include exercises to understand your range of motion, balance, and strength. Based on that information, the therapist can then design a regimen.
Do physical therapists make house calls?
Physical therapists can work in a variety of environments. While many choose to work in a physical therapy clinic, others will operate out of hospitals and are also able to make house calls to help patients who need in-home assistance and rehabilitation.
What are some physical therapy specialties?
Physical therapists can specialize in sports medicine, women's health, geriatric, neurologic, orthopedic, pediatric, and cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, among others.
When should someone go see a physical therapist?
See a physical therapist following a serious muscle or bone injury, especially if pain doesn't go away within a few days, is recurring and dull, or is frequent and sharp. Book an appointment if medication is not helping or if your doctor recommends it.
Does medical insurance cover physical therapy?
The majority of health insurance plans do include physical therapy treatment, but the amount covered and the co-pay for patients varies person-to-person. Medicare and workers’ compensation both cover physical therapy.
How much does a physical therapist cost?
A typical physical therapy session costs around $100 each. But the cost can vary based on the procedures necessary. How many appointments you need also varies depending on the injury, , but most patients visit between six and 12 times.
What should I look for when searching for a physical therapist?
It's not uncommon for doctors to recommend a physical therapist to their patients, but it’s best to do additional research to find the right professional for an injury or condition. Look for someone who is attentive, a good listener, experienced in treating your particular concern, has strong peer reviews, is located in a convenient area, works in a good atmosphere, and accepts your insurance.
What education is required to become a physical therapist?
Becoming a physical therapist requires completing undergraduate coursework in a related field, such as kinesiology or exercise science, followed by earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. After graduating, physical therapists must then sit for and pass a licensing exam.
What kinds of injuries and conditions do physical therapists treat?
Physical therapists can treat a wide variety of injuries, including those related to workplace or sports accidents. They can help people recovering from amputations, neurological conditions, basic sprains, fractures, and strains, as well as arthritis.
What is a physical therapist?
A physical therapist helps patients battling injury and illness rehabilitate their bodies by managing both pain and movement. Through exercise, they can help people avoid surgery or long-term use of prescription medication.
