Frequently Asked Questions
Below, please find answers to frequently asked questions here at the Hamilton park Wellness Center. If you would like more information regarding any of the answers provided, or have a question you don't see here, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Physical Therapy FAQs
Why do I need Physical Therapy?
What do I need to bring with me?
Does Physical Therapy work?
Is Physical Therapy painful?
Does my insurance cover Physical Therapy?
What happens during my first visit?
How should I dress?
How long will each treatment last?
How many visits will I need?
Why is Physical Therapy a good choice?
What do Physical Therapists do?
Why are people referred to Physical Therapy?
Who will see me?
What types of treatments will I receive?
What happens if my problem or pain returns?
Can my Therapist provide me with a diagnosis?
How does the billing process work?
What will I have to do after Physical Therapy?
Is my Physical Therapist licensed?
Occupational Therapy FAQs
What is Occupational Therapy (O.T.)?
Is occupational therapy covered by my insurance?
What should I bring to my first occupational therapy appointment?
What should I expect at my first visit for occupational therapy?
Will my doctor be involved in my care?
What can I do to improve the likelihood of successful therapy results?
Speech Pathology FAQs
What is speech-language pathology?
Do I need a referral to receive speech or language therapy?
Why do I need Physical Therapy?
- To reduce or eliminate pain
- To improve mobility and function
- To restore strength
- To complete the healing process
- To return to your favorite sport
- To help prevent re-injury
What do I need to bring with me?
Make sure you bring your physical therapy prescription (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. 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 being covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring the appropriate information.
Does Physical Therapy work?
Most patients attain the goals that are set. your results depend on many factors: from the type and severity of the problem, to how well you comply with medical advice.
Is Physical Therapy painful?
New techniques in medicine and physical therapy have significantly reduced the pain and disability encountered after an injury or surgery. working on an injured body part can be somewhat uncomfortable, but patients who avoid formal rehabilitation are inviting more stiffness, pain and long term disability. q. how long does it take? the nature and extent of the problem determines how many sessions you will need. restoring functional use to an injured body part, or returning your body to a pain-free state occurs at different rates for different people. (your insurance company may also have additional guidelines regarding the extent of your physical therapy coverage.) therapist-recommended home exercises will also speed your recovery.
For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, 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 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 utilize 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.
Does my insurance cover Physical Therapy?
Most insurers will cover physical therapy however, check your individual plan. we participate in several health plans your treatment program will include:
1. Evaluation
A comprehensive biomechanical examination determines how far you have come on the road to recovery, and how far you have to go. this examination determines the parameters of your injury or condition; including scientific testing for strength, mobility, joint range of motion, ligamentous integrity, reflexes and balance. during this time patient and the therapist set goals for the rehabilitation.
2. Rehabilitation
Sessions with your own therapist help to strengthen weakened muscles, increase flexibility, and improve mobility. the physical therapist may use a variety of treatment techniques to aid in your recovery. these include therapeutic exercise, joint mobilization, range-of-motion exercises, cardiovascular endurance training, therapeutic massage and biofeedback. modalities including; ultrasound, electrotherapy and traction can also be applied during the treatment program to help relieve pain.
3. Education
We explain your injury so that you can understand what happened to your body and how physical therapy can speed up your recovery. we also provide specific guidelines for continuing your progress at home between sessions to either help you return to your former level of activity or help you surpass your prior level of function.
What happens during my first visit?
During your first visit you can expect the following:
Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website - see the paperwork or forms link) You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy. We will copy your insurance card. You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist. The therapist will discuss the following:
Your medical history. Your current problems/complaints. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem. How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations. Your goals with physical therapy. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health. The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
Muscle Testing - the therapist is checking 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.
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.
Special Tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
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 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 from input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.
How should I dress?
You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can 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, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.
How long will each treatment last?
Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per visit.
How many visits will I need?
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 on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.
Why is Physical Therapy a good choice?
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 not only treat 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.
What do Physical Therapists do?
You have probably heard of the profession of physical therapy. Maybe you have had a conversation with a friend about how physical therapy helped get rid of his or her 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, to 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 use of 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 are able to 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. A large part of a physical therapist's program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. 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 services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs. With the boom in the golf and fitness industries, a number of physical therapists are engaged in consulting with recreational golfers and fitness clubs to develop workouts that are safe and effective, especially for people who already know that they have a problem with their joints or their 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 to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, 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 kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments as "physical therapy," it's important for you to know that physical therapy can only be provided by qualified physical therapists or by physical therapist assistants, who must complete a 2-year education program and who work only under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
Most forms of physical therapy treatment are covered by your insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Most states do not legally require patients to see their physicians before seeing a physical therapist. Most of the time all you have to do is ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you.
Reference: APTA
Why are people referred to Physical Therapy?
You and others may be referred to physical therapy because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain. Your 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 a normal manner.
Who will see me?
You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists and he/she will also 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.
What types of treatments will I receive?
There are many types of treatment interventions. Here is a list of some 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 cardio-vascular 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 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.
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.
What happens if my problem or pain returns?
Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.
Can my Therapist provide me with a diagnosis?
In most states, physical therapists cannot make a medical diagnosis. This is something that your medical doctor will provide for you.
Physical therapists are important members of your medical team. At this point in time, physicians are typically the health care providers that will provide you with a medical diagnosis.
How does the billing process work?
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. The physical therapist bills your insurance company, Worker's Comp, or charges you based on CPT (Common Procedure Terminology) 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 EOB (Explanation of Benefits) 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, mis-communicated, 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 6 months after the treatment date.
What will I have to do after Physical Therapy?
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 custom program for you.
Is my Physical Therapist licensed?
Wellness Center physical therapists (PT's) and physical therapist assistants (PTA's) are licensed by the state of New Jersey.
What is Occupational Therapy (O.T.)?
Occupational therapy is a science and evidenced based profession. O.T. helps promote healthy lifestyles and prevent – or live better with – illness, injury or disability. O.T. takes into account the complete person, including his or her physical, psychological, emotional and social makeup. Occupational therapy uses everyday activities as the means to help you improve your independence. Benefits include functioning at your highest possible level with dressing, bathing, cooking, gardening, balancing your checkbook, using a computer, driving, working, going to school, socializing and accessing your community. Partnering with your O.T. you will find practical solutions and design strategies that support everyday living skills. These may range from adaptations for how to do a task, to changes in your personal surroundings. No matter what your challenge, O.T. can help you improve your quality of life!
Is occupational therapy covered by my insurance?
O.T. is covered by Medicare, most insurance plans and Worker's Compensation. Some insurance may require a co-pay or deductible to be paid at the time of service. We will gladly call to verify your benefits should you request.
What should I bring to my first occupational therapy appointment?
Physician prescription, insurance card(s), list of current medications and any medical records you may have that pertain to your condition. If you are covered by Worker's Compensation, please bring your claim number and case manager's contact information.
What should I expect at my first visit for occupational therapy?
The O.T. will evaluate the problems and work with you to develop a treatment program. At the end of this first visit you will most likely be instructed in a home program for your particular needs. The first appointment will take approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours.
Will my doctor be involved in my care?
Your O.T. works hand-in-hand with your physician. We will send progress reports and confer with your physician as needed.
What can I do to improve the likelihood of successful therapy results?
The therapists of the Wellness Center are dedicated to giving you the best possible care. You can improve your rehabilitation results by following home program instructions to the best of your ability and developing a working partnership with your therapist.
What is speech-language pathology?
A speech/language therapist works with individuals to improve speech, language and swallowing abilities, as well as cognitive functions after an illness or injury, including but not limited to stroke, developmental delay and head injuries. Speech therapists work with individuals as a team, discovering lost abilities and using coping mechanisms when needed.
Do I need a referral to receive speech or language therapy?
Private pay clients do not require a physician’s referral or prescription. If you are filing a claim with your insurance company, a doctor’s referral or prescription may be needed.
