Frequently Asked Questions

  • Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing physical impairments or disabilities. It involves using exercises, manual therapy, education, and other interventions to help individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, or prevent future injuries.

  • You should see a physical therapist if you're experiencing pain, limited movement, or difficulty performing daily activities. Common reasons include sports injuries, chronic pain (e.g., back or neck pain), post-surgical rehabilitation, and conditions like arthritis, balance issues, or even poor posture.

  • Physical therapy can help with a wide variety of conditions, including:

    • Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains, strains, fractures)

    • Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., joint replacement, ACL surgery)

    • Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease)

    • Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, arthritis)

    • Sports injuries

    • Balance and coordination issues

    • Headaches and migraines

    • Posture correction

    • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation

  • During your first session, the physical therapist will typically perform a detailed evaluation. This includes asking about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. They will assess your movement, strength, flexibility, and posture. Based on this evaluation, the therapist will create a personalized treatment plan, which may involve exercises, stretches, and other treatments to improve your condition.

  • Some discomfort is common, especially when performing exercises or stretches aimed at improving mobility or strength. However, physical therapy should not cause significant pain. If you experience pain, you should let your therapist know immediately so they can adjust your treatment plan.

  • The time it takes to see improvement varies depending on the individual, the condition being treated, and the intensity of the therapy. For some, relief can be noticed in just a few sessions, while others may require weeks or months of treatment. Your therapist will monitor progress and adjust your plan as needed.

  • The frequency of physical therapy visits depends on your condition and goals. Typically, sessions are scheduled 1-3 times per week initially. As progress is made, the frequency may decrease, and your therapist may teach you exercises to do at home to continue your recovery independently

  • Most insurance plans cover physical therapy, though the specifics can vary. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage, co-pays, and any required referrals. Medicare and Medicaid also cover certain physical therapy services, but coverage details should be confirmed

  • Yes, in many cases, physical therapists will give you exercises or activities to perform at home to speed up your recovery. These home exercises are important to your progress, but they should be done as prescribed by your therapist to ensure proper technique and effectiveness.

  • While both focus on musculoskeletal health, physical therapy and chiropractic care differ in their approach. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques such as exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to improve movement, strength, and function. Chiropractors primarily focus on spinal manipulation to address alignment and joint issues.

  • Yes, physical therapy can help prevent injuries. Through strength training, flexibility exercises, postural correction, and education on proper body mechanics, physical therapy can reduce the risk of injuries, especially for athletes or those involved in physically demanding work.

  • It depends on your location and insurance plan. Some states allow direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can see a physical therapist without a referral. However, some insurance plans or healthcare systems may require a referral from a primary care doctor before starting physical therapy.

  • Physical therapists use various treatments based on your needs, such as:

    • Exercise therapy: Strengthening, stretching, and functional exercises

    • Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques like massage and joint mobilizations

    • Modalities: Heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and more

    • Ergonomic advice: Education on body mechanics, posture, and movement

    • Balance training: Exercises to improve stability and prevent falls

  • Yes, physical therapy is often very effective in managing chronic pain conditions like back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. PT focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and function, which can reduce pain over time. A physical therapist will work with you to develop a plan to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

  • Yes, physical therapy can help improve athletic performance by addressing weaknesses, improving flexibility, enhancing movement efficiency, and preventing injuries. Many athletes work with physical therapists to enhance their strength, coordination, and endurance for peak performance