1. Do I need a doctor’s referral? You may need to check depending on the state. Majority of states have direct access which allows patients to see a PT without an MD referral.
2. Will my insurance cover PT? Majority of PT clinics take major insurances. Check with your clinic to ensure you are covered. Don’t be scared of cash-based providers… you get more bang for your buck, and typically improve faster.
3. Is it true that physical therapy hurts? When it comes to certain diagnoses mild to moderate discomfort is expected. For instance, a total knee replacement will tend to invoke a higher pain scale because the therapist has to stretch your knee to a certain range. The point of PT for patients is to get rid of pain, the point of PT for Physical Therapist’s is to rid the underlying cause of pain to prevent it from coming back.
NO PAIN NO GAIN RIGHT??? …that’s not always the case
That being said, you should expect mild to moderate discomfort that improves over time as soft tissue begins to heal. If you are experiencing severe pain during treatment tell your therapist immediately. I tell patients a good rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t be experiencing greater than 7/10 pain scale.
4. When will the pain stop? Most patient’s want a quick fix. For the most part it may take a few visits to start feeling a significant decrease in pain. The more compliant you are with your visits and home exercises, the better your prognosis.
5. My trainer at the gym is a PT, can I just work with him? Legally personal trainers are not allowed to use or call themselves a PT. The abbreviation PT belongs to Licensed Physical Therapists. Personal trainers are CPT and provide separate services… so, no!
6. What should I expect each visit? The initial visit is the evaluation where the therapist asks questions, takes measurements, and develops your plan of care. Remaining visits will consist of exercises, hands-on treatment techniques and modalities. Wear clothing that is easy to move in and is comfortable. Always make the body part being treated easily accessible.
7. How do I find a PT? GREAT QUESTION… check out our directory page to find the perfect PT near you!
Can’t find one in your area on the directory? Contact us and let us do the work to find one for you
Your doctor may have a certain group who they refer to as well.
