F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have arthritis in my knee and I have been told that I may need a joint replacement. Are there any other options?
A: Depending on the severity, several options might be available such as therapy modalities, anti-inflammatory medication or synthetic joint fluid replacement. In advanced cases either a partial or total joint replacement is warranted when pain is persistent and not relieved by more conservative treatment.
Q: I have been told I have a frozen shoulder. What can be done for this?
A: Many types of stretches and modalities can be used in physical therapy. Also, medications or injections from a physician can be of help in most cases.
Q: Why do I feel stiff and have more back pain early in the morning?
A: While you sleep, the weight bearing joints including the spinal discs tend to absorb fluids and swell slightly, so when you first wake up you feel stiff. Normally this will ease up in a few minutes. If you have some form of diagnosed disc problem, this can be the most problematic time of the day and you may need to stay standing for most of your home activites for the first hour or so after getting up.
Q: When I move my neck, I hear a lot of popping. Is this bad?
A : Popping by itself is not necessarily bad. Popping that is associated with pain and/ or neurological changes should be examined thoroughly.
Q: Why Is Exercise A Part Of My Physical Therapy Treatment?
A: Exercise is anything you do in addition to your regular daily activity that will improve your flexibility, strength, coordination, or endurance. It even includes changing how you do your regular activities to give you some health benefits. For example, if you park a little farther away from the door of the grocery store, the extra distance you walk is exercise. Physical therapy nearly always involves exercise of some kind that is specifically designed for your injury, illness, condition, or to help prevent future health problems. Exercise can include stretching to reduce stress on joints, core stability exercises to strengthen the muscles of your trunk (your back and abdomen) and hips, lifting weights to strengthen muscles, walking, doing water aerobics, and many other forms of activity. Your physical therapist is likely to teach you how to do an exercise program on your own at home so you can continue to work toward your fitness goals and prevent future problems.
Q: What do I need to do for my first physical therapy visit?
A; You need to complete all of the necessary patient registration forms on this site, bring your insurance card(s), your prescription and your referral (if required).
Q: How long does the Initial Evaluation take?
A: Plan on your first visit taking approximately 90 minutes. Your physical therapist will first evaluate your current condition. The therapist will then create an individualized program specific to your injury as well as design and instruct you on your Home Exercise Program.
Q: How long will my follow-up visits take?
A: After your Initial Evaluation, your standard visits will take approximately 45-90 minutes. Please note that there programs are individually customized, so each program will vary in time dependant of patient’s particular requirements.