Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

During your first visit you can expect the following:

• Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from this website - see the paperwork or forms link).
• Provide us with your referral for physical therapy if you have one. If you don't have a referral from a healthcare provider, let us know when you schedule your first visit with us (Note: a referral is not always needed).
• We will copy your insurance card.
• You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the physical therapist.
• The therapist will discuss the following:
  
  
  1. Your medical history.
  2. Your current problems/complaints.
  3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
  4. How your pain is impacting your daily activities or limiting your ability to function.
  5. Your goals with physical therapy.
  6. Medications, tests and procedures related to your health.
• The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation, which may include some of the following:
  
  
  1. Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness or swelling and to evaluate soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
  2. Range of Motion (ROM) testing - the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
  3. Muscle testing - the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
  4. Neurological screening - the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
  5. Special tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm or rule out the presence of additional problems.
  6. Posture assessment - the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.

The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having and how to treat those problems. A plan of care is subsequently developed with the patient's input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.

Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral from your health care provider and your payment information. It is not always necessary to have a provider referral to receive care. If you do not have a referral, call us to learn about our direct access program. If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager’s contact information. If you are covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring this information.

You should wear loose-fitting clothing to expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice. For low back problems, wear a loose-fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.

Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per visit.

This is highly variable. You may need one visit, or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated regularly, and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.

More than half of all Americans are suffering from pain. Whether it is a recent episode or chronic, an ABC News/Stanford study revealed that pain in America is a serious problem. However, many do not even know that physical therapists are well equipped to treat not only pain but also its source.

Physical therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

You have probably heard of the profession of physical therapy. Maybe you have spoken with a friend about how physical therapy helped get rid of their back pain, or you might know someone who needed physical therapy after an injury. You might even have been treated by a physical therapist yourself. But have you ever wondered about physical therapists--who they are and what they do? Many people are familiar with physical therapists' work helping patients with orthopedic problems--such as low back pain or knee surgeries--reduce pain and regain function. Others may be aware of the treatment that physical therapists provide to assist patients recovering from a stroke (e.g., assisting them with recovering using their limbs and walking again).

The ability to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of tasks and activities is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with the various medical conditions that we may develop but only if we can continue at our jobs, take care of our families and enjoy important occasions with family and friends. All of these activities require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.

Because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. Preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery is a large part of a physical therapist's work. Physical therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain. They also provide sports therapy and sports performance services for athletes of all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs. With the boom in the golf and fitness industries, several physical therapists provide consulting services for recreational golfers and fitness clubs to develop safe and effective workouts, especially for people who already know that they have a problem with their joints or backs.

The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to "hands-on" care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and perform certain exercises independently. Depending on the particular needs, physical therapists may also "mobilize" a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high-frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice.

Although other practitioners may offer some of these treatments as "physical therapy," it is important to know that physical therapy can only be provided by qualified physical therapists or physical therapist assistants.

Your insurance will cover most forms of physical therapy treatment, but the coverage will vary with each plan. All 50 states offer direct access to physical therapy, which means that patients are not necessarily required to see their healthcare provider before seeing a physical therapist. In many cases, all you have to do is ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you. Contact us for more information on direct access.

Reference: APTA

People are referred to physical therapy because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain. Difficulty with moving part(s) of your body (like bending at the low back or difficulty sleeping on your shoulder, etc.) very likely results in limitations with your daily activities (e.g., difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to play sports, or trouble with walking, etc.). Physical therapists treat these movement dysfunctions and their associated pains, and restore your body's ability to move in normally.

In most cases, health insurance will cover your treatment. Click on our insurance link above for a summary of insurances we accept, and make sure you talk to our receptionist so we can help you clarify your insurance coverage.

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists, and he/she also will treat you during subsequent visits. Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important to develop a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Since only one physical therapist knows your problems best, he/she is the one that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy - Probably the most common physical therapy specialist is the orthopedic specialist. These specialists care for post-surgical patients, arthritis, tendinitis/tendinosis, fracture rehabilitation, muscle sprains and strains, neck and back pain, hip and knee problems and shoulder, elbow and wrist conditions. Some are board certified as Orthopedic Certified Specialists (OCS).

Manual Therapy - Manual therapy is a broad term that describes a variety of hands-on treatment techniques that are applied to movement dysfunctions. Grade five mobilizations, Mulligan mobilizations with movement, Maitland and Kaltenborn techniques, functional technique, neural mobilization, joint mobilization, craniosacral therapy, strain/counter strain, myofascial release, etc. These are some of the more popular manual therapy techniques. Many manual therapists will take continuing education courses, obtain certifications in manual therapy, and will sit for board certification from the American Physical Therapy Association and other organizations. Most physical therapists incorporate manual therapy techniques as a part of a complete treatment plan.

Geriatric Physical Therapy - Some therapists specialize in the rehabilitation of seniors. As the body ages, a variety of challenges arise. We stiffen, we lose strength, our balance skills decline, our bones become brittle (osteoporosis), our endurance decreases, and we take longer to recover from injuries. Balance and fall prevention are of paramount importance to the therapist who is working with seniors, and some clinics are solely dedicated to caring for those with balance problems. Most physical therapists work with seniors/geriatric patients. Some have obtained additional education, have passed a board-certification examination, and have earned the Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS) title.

Sports Rehabilitation - Physical therapists are experts in assisting with recovery after injury and surgery. Many sports specialists help to retrain the athlete utilizing running, throwing, jumping and sport-specific programs to name a few. A therapist with the Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) title has passed a board certification test.

Fitness and Wellness - Physical therapists are well trained to help with your fitness needs and wellness programs. If you need an exercise program, have trouble with your weight, are concerned about osteoporosis, have an issue with diabetes, or if you would like to learn how to prevent falls, physical therapists can help. The previous examples are just a few of the many programs physical therapists offer.

Hand Therapy - Most physical therapists are well trained to treat hand and wrist conditions. Some therapists have taken additional courses and training and have passed a hand therapy certification examination. These therapists are called Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs).

Pelvic Floor Therapy - Some therapists specialize in issues such as pregnancy problems, pelvic pain and incontinence. Many that suffer from incontinence do so needlessly. Special treatment is available for both men and women with incontinence. A physical therapist may be able to help.

Industrial Rehabilitation - Specialists in industrial rehabilitation help with those who have suffered on-the-job injuries. Moreover, they will evaluate work tasks, create assistive devices, evaluate your ergonomic situation and help redesign workflow/tasks to decrease the incidence of injury. Often, industrial rehabilitation specialists will evaluate your ability to perform certain job tasks with a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).

Pediatric Therapy - Pediatric therapists specialize in the rehabilitation of children. They may assist with kids who suffer from cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, neurological disorders, and/or orthopedic problems. In addition to physical therapy, pediatric therapy may include occupational or speech therapy.

Aquatic Physical Therapy - Aquatic therapy takes advantage of the physical properties of water to assist with the rehabilitation process. Buoyancy, turbulence, hydrostatic pressure, and thermal properties of water can assist with the rehabilitation of a patient. Those suffering from chronic pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar fusion surgery, or with a limited weight-bearing status are just a few of the many different patient populations that can benefit from aquatic therapy.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation - A small percentage of physical therapists practice in this discipline. Southwest General has trained clinicians who work with patients who have had heart attacks, bypass surgeries, angioplasty, breathing problems, emphysema and other heart/lung-related conditions.

Neurological, Spinal Cord Injury, and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehab - A large portion of physical therapists work with patients who suffer from these conditions. Functional retraining including, walking, wheelchair use, getting in and out of bed or chairs (transfer training), moving in bed (bed mobility), and retraining patients to use their shoulders, arms, and hands are just some of the services these therapists provide to those with neurological involvement. A certified specialist holds a Neurologic Certified Specialist title (NCS).

Balance, Dizziness, and Vertigo Rehabilitation - Many suffer from dizziness or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Southwest General specializes in the rehabilitation of patients with vertigo. Patient education, strengthening, safety awareness, posture and balance exercise, walking exercise, and special techniques that affect sensory and balance centers of the brain and limbs are all important components of a rehabilitation program.

Amputee Rehabilitation - Many physical therapists specialize in the rehabilitation of amputees. Caring for the injured limb, functional and walking training, training in the use of assistive devices (crutches, canes, prosthetic limbs, etc.) are all provided by a therapist who specializes in care for amputees.

Lymphedema Rehabilitation - A special component of the circulatory system, the lymph system, helps filter and drain fluid from our arms and legs. When this drainage system is damaged, painful swelling can result, a condition called lymphedema. Some therapists specialize in the treatment of lymphedema. Special positioning, massage and bandaging techniques are utilized by the lymphedema specialist.

Osteoporosis Rehabilitation and Prevention - Some practitioners specialize in the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis patients. Working in concert with your healthcare provider, the therapist often will design a specialized weight-bearing and resistance training program for those with this silent disease.

For many patients, one of the primary objectives of physical therapy is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques and modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but also to recover range of motion, strength and endurance.

In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will use a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

There are dozens of different types of treatment interventions. Here is a list of treatment interventions:

Active Range of Motion (AROM) - the patient lifts or moves a body part through range of motion against gravity. AROM is usually one of the first modalities prescribed for arthritis.

Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM) - therapist-assisted active range of motion. This is usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening for a very weak body part.

Stationary Bicycle - with or without resistance. This is usually prescribed for improving the strength and/or range of motion of the back or lower extremities as well as cardiovascular endurance.

Gait or Walking Training - the analysis of walking problems by visually examining the interaction of the low back and the joints of the thighs, legs, and feet during the various stages of walking, including initial contact, loading response, mid stance, terminal stance, pre swing, mid swing, and terminal swing. Many back, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot problems may be caused by or manifest themselves in subtle gait abnormalities.

Isometrics - muscle contraction without joint movement. This is usually prescribed for strengthening without stressing or damaging the joint (e.g., arthritis, or exercises to be performed in a cast, or right after surgery if recommended by the therapist/doctor).

Isotonics- muscle(s) contracting through the ROM with resistance. This is usually prescribed for strengthening.

Soft Tissue Mobilization - therapeutic massage of body tissue performed with the hands. Soft tissue mobilization may be used for muscle relaxation, to decrease swelling, to decrease scar tissue adhesions, and for pain relief.

Mobilization - hands-on therapeutic procedures intended to increase soft tissue or joint mobility. Mobilization is usually prescribed to increase mobility, delaying progressive stiffness, and to relieve pain. There are many types of mobilization techniques including Maitland, Kaltenborn, Isometric Mobilizations, etc.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) - a system of manually resisted exercises performed in diagonal patterns that mimic functional movements. PNF was initially used in developmentally and neurologically impaired patients but now is used in almost every aspect of neuromuscular retraining from athletes in sports facilities to the very weak in hospitals and nursing homes.

Posture Training - instruction in the correct biomechanical alignment of the body to reduce undue strain on muscles, joints, ligaments, discs and other soft tissues. There is an ideal posture, but most people do not have ideal posture. Therapists educate patients about the importance of improving posture with daily activities. Stretching and strengthening exercises may be prescribed to facilitate postural improvement and to prevent further disability and future recurrences of problems.

Progressive Resistive Exercises (PRE) - exercises that gradually increase in resistance (weights) and in repetitions. PRE is usually prescribed for reeducation of muscles and strengthening. Weights, rubber bands and body weight can be used as resistance.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) - the patient or therapist moves the body part through a range of motion without the use of the muscles that "actively" move the joint(s).

Stretching/Flexibility Exercise - exercise designed to lengthen muscle(s) or soft tissue. Stretching exercises are usually prescribed to improve the flexibility of muscles that have tightened due to disuse or in compensation to pain, spasm or immobilization.

Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy - used to cause vasoconstriction (the blood vessels constrict or decrease their diameter) to reduce the amount of fluid that leaks out of the capillaries into the tissue spaces (swelling) in response to injury of tissue. Ice or cold is used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain.

Dry Needling - used to treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. During treatment, a fine needle is inserted into painful or knotted muscle areas. This creates a "twitch response" or a brief contraction of the muscle, which releases tension and helps to decrease pain.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) - the application of electrical stimulation to aid in improving strength (e.g., the quadriceps muscle after knee surgery or injury). NMES is also used to decrease pain and swelling and to relieve muscle spasm.

Neck Traction - a gentle longitudinal/axial pull on the neck, either manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous for relief of neck pain, to decrease muscle spasm and facilitate unloading of the spine.

Heat - heat is recommended to decrease chronic pain, relax muscles, and for pain relief. It should not be used with an acute or "new" injury.

Iontophoresis - medications are propelled through the skin by an electrical charge. This modality works on the physical concept that like charges repel each other, therefore, a positively charged medication will be repelled through the skin to the underlying tissues by the positively charged pad of an iontophoresis machine. Iontophoresis is usually prescribed for injuries such as shoulder or elbow bursitis.

Pelvic Traction - the longitudinal/axial pull on the lumbar spine, either manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous. Pelvic traction may be helpful for the relief of low back pain and muscle spasm.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - a relatively low voltage applied over painful areas through small self-adhesive electrodes. The electrical stimulation "disguises" or "overrides" the sensation of pain. It is a small, portable unit, used in intervals, to control pain and reduce dependence on drugs. It is usually prescribed for relief of pain.

Ultrasound - ultrasound uses a high frequency sound wave emitted from the sound head when electricity is passed through a quartz crystal. The sound waves cause the vibration of water molecules deep within tissue causing a heating effect. When the sound waves are pulsed, they cause a vibration of the tissue rather than heating. The stream of sound waves helps with nutrition exchange at the cellular level and healing. Studies have shown that ultrasound is helpful for ligament healing and clinically, for carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle spasm.

Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Typically, massage is used for three reasons; to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle or to relieve pain. Contrary to common thought, massage does not increase circulation.

Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up of your condition, give us a call. We may suggest that you come back to see us, return to your healthcare provider, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

In most cases, you have the right to choose any physical therapy clinic. Southwest General Therapy Services is a provider for many different insurance plans.

The best thing to do is give us a call, and we will attempt to answer all of your questions.

All fifty states have some form of direct access, which allows patients to seek care directly from a physical therapist without a referral from a health care provider. If you are not making significant progress within 30 days, the therapist will refer you to/back to your health care provider.

Seeing a physical therapist first is safe and could save you hundreds of dollars or even thousands of dollars. Click here for details

Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor's office. When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

1. Southwest General Therapy Services bills your insurance company, Workers' Comp, or charges you based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.
2. Those codes are transferred to a billing form that is either mailed or electronically communicated to the payer.
3. The payer processes this information and makes payments according to an agreed upon fee schedule.
4. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic with a check for payment and a balance due by the patient.
5. The patient is expected to make the payment on the balance if any.

It is important to understand that there are many small steps (beyond the outline provided above) within the process. Exceptions are common to the above example as well. At any time along the way, information may be missing, miscommunicated or misunderstood. This can delay the payment process. While it is common for the payment process to be completed in 60 days or less, it is not uncommon for the physical therapy clinic to receive payment as long as six months after the treatment date.

Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist so he/she can develop a customized program for you.

Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed by their respective states.

These are some things you may consider when seeking a physical therapy clinic:

• The therapist should be licensed in the state.
• The first visit should include a thorough medical history and physical examination before any treatment is rendered.
• The patient goals should be discussed in detail during the first visit.
• Care should include a variety of techniques which might include hands-on techniques, soft tissue work, therapeutic exercises and in some cases heat, cold, electrical stimulation or ultrasound.
• Do they have a service that can address your problem?
• Do they take your insurance or are they willing to work with you if they are not a preferred provider?
• They should be conveniently located. Since sitting and driving often aggravate orthopedic problems, there should be a very good reason for you to drive a long distance for rehabilitation.
• What are the hours of operation?
• Can they provide satisfaction survey results?
• The therapist should provide the treatment.
• Can you briefly interview the therapist before the first visit?
• Ask your family and friends who they would recommend.

YOUR RIGHT TO A "GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE"

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call our number on our website for more information.