Patient Care
how we can help you
We recommend that you 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 you should wear loose -fitting shirt and pants.
You will be seen for an evaluation by the physical therapist in which they will discuss the following:
- Your medical history and medications
- Your current problems/complaints.
- Your pain levels and how it’s impacting your daily life
- Your goals with physical therapy
The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following: range of motion , strength, balance, and neurological screening.
A plan will be made to address your impairments including frequency and duration of treatments and a home exercise program will be established
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.
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.
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