What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a healthcare field that focuses on the science of movement. The APTA defines a physical therapist as a professional practitioner who "teaches patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability".
Why do I need Physical Therapy?
Unless you are pain-free and move perfectly, you will benefit from a physical therapy evaluation. Many people do not realize that a childhood injury or long term misuse can lead to problems down the road. As a point of entry provider, you can be evaluated by a physical therapist without a physician referral.
Do you take my insurance?
The good news is NO. By being "out of network", insurance cannot dictate the care that you receive. You can be treated like the individual that you are. You may choose to file with your insurance provider on your own. If you choose to file for reimbursement from your insurance company, please ask your therapist for instructions.
WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
Dry needling is perhaps the newest adjunct to physical therapy in the last few years. It involves inserting a filament style needle into a trigger point (TrP) within a muscle. A trigger point is a hyper-irritable area of muscle tissue that is congested with inflammatory agents. This can cause pain and misuse of the muscle. When the filament is inserted into the TrP, the muscle will twitch. Sometimes a mild electrical current is used to elicit more twitches to allow for the muscle to reset (or relax). After a session, most people are sore. Drinking extra water and resting can assist in alleviating soreness.
What can I expect on my first visit?
You can expect to understand your body and movement patterns more than ever. You should wear comfortable clothes that will allow your area of concern to be easily accessed for evaluation and treatment. After your evaluation, you will be given home exercises to address your impairments and your treatment plan will be discussed based on your needs.
How many visits will it take?
As many visits as it takes for you to feel better and meet your goals. Most patients can expect to attend 6-8 visits. After this you will be re-assessed to address any remaining impairments and additional visits will be discussed.