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What should i expect during physical therapy sessions?

Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.

Do i need a referral from my doctor before attending physical therapy?

New York allows direct patient access to a physical therapist with some provisions. A physical therapist can treat direct access patients when a licensed PT treats a patient for no more than ten visits or 30 days, whichever comes first, or the licensed PT has three or more years of experience and is at least 21 years old. The PT may also provide the patient with a written notice at the beginning of treatment stating that the patient’s health plan or insurer might not cover the services without a referral.

The PT must keep a copy of this written notice in the patient’s file, and the notice must contain all of the following:

  • Start date of the patient’s treatment
  • Name and address of the patient
  • The patient’s signature and date of signature, validating that they read and understand the notice
  • The PT’s name, address, signature, and date of signature
What do i need to wear or bring with me?

You should dress in comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily and doesn’t restrict circulation. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may also recommend special shoes or a brace. You should also bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.

Is there anything i can do before my appointment to prepare?

Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physical therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.

How long will my physical therapy sessions last?

Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.

Are there any exercises i can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?

Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.

What if i have questions after my physical therapy session?

Your physical therapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!

Will insurance cover my physical therapy?

It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physical therapy, but you should check with your provider to determine coverage and any associated fees.

How often will i need to attend physical therapy sessions?

The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.

How long will it take for me to see results?

Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!

Will my physical therapist be able to answer any questions i have about my condition?

Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.

What if i feel too much pain during a session?

If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you

How will i know when i no longer need physical therapy?

Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.

Other FAQs

Is A Referral Required For Physical Therapy?

No! In 2006, New York State passed the “Direct Access Law” which allows patients to receive either 30 days or 10 sessions of physical therapy without the need for a doctor’s referral.

What Is Orthopedic Physical Therapy?

Orthopedic physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation designed to help patients who are dealing with afflictions of the musculoskeletal system. It is a physical-based form of treatment that promotes healing from within. Through the use of stretches, strength exercises, and other modalities (such as electronic stimulation, ice therapy, cold therapy, and massage therapy), our physical therapists can improve a patient’s functionality levels in the affected area. By increasing the strength and flexibility in a patient’s muscles and joints, orthopedic physical therapy will help to eliminate their pain and improve their quality of life.

What Do You Treat?

One of the main benefits of physical therapy is the range of injuries and conditions it can be used to treat and manage. Below are a few examples of what this therapy method can be used to help with:

  • Sports injuries.
  • Breaks and fractures.
  • Muscles strains and tears.
  • Ligameotus issues.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Complications after a stroke.
  • Joint problems.
  • Gait abnormalities.
What Is Your Insurance Policy?

Moving Forward Physical Therapy is an out-of-network provider. Patients who have insurance plans that allow them to visit out-of-network providers can come to us for treatment. Even if your plan does not have out-of-network benefits, do not hesitate to contact us. Our main goal is to provide the care you need, and we will do everything in our power to accommodate you.

What Are The Benefits Of Being Out-Of-Network?

While being an out-of-network provider may seem unorthodox, we’ve chosen this model for the benefits it brings our patients. In-network providers are often at the mercy of insurance companies, needing to book many patients at once to hit quotas. The need to hit quotas often leads to sessions being double or even triple booked. Insurance policies also come with certain coverage limitations, meaning patients may not be able to receive as much treatment as they need truly need to recover. Being out-of-network allows us to eliminate these complications, and bring you the below benefits:

  • You’ll always receive one-on-one care from a trained physical therapist.
  • Our practice is not impacted by policy-induced time restrictions, as our sessions can range from 45 minutes to an hour.
  • The intimate focus that is given to your recovery will lead to fewer sessions being needed for treatment, meaning you’ll spend less time in pain.
What Should I Bring?

At the time of your first session, it will be beneficial to bring a list containing questions you may have for your physical therapist, your current symptoms, and any information about your medical history you think should be called out. Since our treatment method is physical-based, you should also wear clothing that is comfortable to move around in each session. We find that t-shirts, shorts, sweatpants, and sneakers are all perfect to wear!