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Physical therapists are experts
trained in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological
dysfunction. They are trained specifically to improve movement and
function, relieve pain, and expand movement potential. Physical
therapy is often the treatment of choice in situations where pain
impairs function, in recovering from an injury or surgery, and in
recovering from a disease process or illness. Physical therapists
also teach adaptive and physical coping skills in dealing with impaired
function from a disease, injury or illness. Do you need a referral for Physical Therapy? In California Physical therapists are direct access practitioners, which means that you don’t need a referral from your doctor for physical therapy. You can initiate physical therapy if you have a diagnosis–even if you don’t have a prescription. Although most patients initiate their treatment through a written referral of a licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, osteopath or chiropractor, physical therapy may be provided without a physician’s referral, as long as there is a diagnosis from a doctor. Insurance companies often pay for care provided to patients who self refer for treatment. Some exceptions do occur. • Medicare always requires
a referral to obtain physical therapy services. In addition, some
insurance companies require a referral to provide insurance coverage Carrola Physical Therapy, Inc.
strives to provide the best possible care. All of our therapists
have many years of experience and are committed to life time learning,
taking frequent continuing education courses to update their skills.
After your first visit, you can plan on scheduling two to three treatment sessions per week, each session lasting about one hour. We schedule all visits on a first come, first-served basis to insure fairness for all patients The more Your availability is limited to certain days of the week or hours of the day, the more important it is that you allow as much advance notice as possible when scheduling appointments. We look forward to working together
with you during your therapy and wish you a speedy return to wellness!! We ask that you arrive about 15 minutes early to fill out necessary paper work. (Please remember to bring in any written information such as your prescription for physical therapy and any operative reports, X-ray and/or MRI results that you have about your injury). Your physical therapist will escort you to a treatment room where you will explain the history of your condition, your symptoms and your goals for therapy. The therapist will then perform an evaluation of your muscles, joints, nerves, tendons, and ligaments including range of motion, strength and functional testing. Based on these findings, an individual treatment plan will be devised aimed at resolving the problems identified as well as to attain the goals you set in conjunction with the physical therapist. You will receive treatment and home exercises on your first visit. The session should take about one
hour after which future appointments will be scheduled. Since you will be engaging in physical
activity while at therapy, it is suggested that you wear loose-fitting,
comfortable clothes suitable for exercise. Your attire should allow
you to expose your injured area for easy access during your hands-on
treatment sessions. If you have a problem of your cervical spine,
upper back or shoulders, the therapist will provide you with a gown
as needed to expose these areas. If you are coming for a knee-leg-ankle-foot
problem, shorts are important. If you are coming for hand therapy,
the therapist will need to access the arm and forearm as well. You
can bring clothing with you if you need to change here. The therapist is scheduled with you alone for an hour. Treatment may consist of a variety
of hands-on joint and soft tissue treatment techniques, exercise
techniques and pain reducing modalities as well as measurements
to insure that you are achieving your goals and that your treatment
sessions are effective. Treatments are designed to increase
motion and strength, reduce pain, and most importantly, restore
function. Patients are typically involved in an active exercise
program at home and are educated in ways to speed recovery and prevent
recurrence of the problem. |
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