Sometimes, our patients prefer to educate themselves on physical therapy services prior to their appointment. For your convenience, our most common customer questions are presented here. Please feel free to contact us at any time with specific questions. We are happy to help and welcome your feedback, too.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is a profession whose practitioners utilize movement, various hands on techniques, exercise of all types, and modalities in order to improve your potential to live the life you desire. Our goal is to assist you in achieving the highest, most safe level of activity possible over the shortest time period. We strive to find ways for you to learn to control any problems you may have. Click here to learn more about the professionals at Deer Park Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation.
What does a Physical Therapist do?
Physical Therapists are experts trained in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. They are trained specifically to improve movement and function, relieve pain, and expand movement potential. Physical Therapy is often the treatment of choice in situations where pain impairs function, in recovering from an injury or surgery, and in recovering from a disease process or illness. Physical Therapists also teach adaptive and physical coping skills in dealing with impaired function from a disease, injury or illness.
Do I need a prescription from my doctor to come to Physical Therapy?
No. New York State and Pennsylvania both have Direct Access, which allows you to come to physical therapy for 10 visits or 30 days without a prescription from your physician. We can still work closely with your physician for your care, however this allows for greater access to our services. If you need further treatment after that time frame, we can speak to your doctor to obtain a prescription.
What are your treatment modalities?
Our physical therapists use a variety of modalities to help treat our patients. There are a variety of treatment modalities that can help strengthen, relax, and heal muscles. Please contact us to see how we can assist you in meeting your goals in recovery and maintenance.
What should I wear?
Most of our patients wear comfortable clothing to their physical therapy appointment. If you are coming straight from work or another commitment, you may bring whatever you like to wear with you and change here.
What should I bring to my first Physical Therapy visit?
For your first visit you will need your insurance card, and completed forms, which could be found here. You may print our patient information forms off of this website and fill them out in advance. If you have any operative reports, MRI or X-ray results, you may bring those as well, but they are not necessary. Additionally, if you are utilizing any type of brace, splint, or crutches, please bring them with you.
How long is each session?
Sessions are generally an average of 45 minutes long. Please allow for some additional time before or after so that you may experience the maximum benefits from your physical therapist.
How often should I attend?
We have found that patients receive optimal benefits while coming three times per week for most diagnoses. There may, however, be times where more or less frequent visits will be most effective. During your initial evaluation, your therapist will be able to tell you the optimal frequency to come, in accordance with your diagnosis and physician’s plan of care.
Do I need to perform my exercises at home?
Once you are seen for an evaluation your therapist will give you a list of exercises for you to follow up with at home. These exercises will be periodically updated and will facilitate your rehabilitation.
Is privacy maintained?
Yes, all of your information is private and only discussed with you and your therapist.
How is progress maintained?
During each of your visits, the prescribed therapeutic exercises and other therapeutic techniques will be documented in detail, as well as your response to the treatment. Your therapist will also perform a re-evaluation about every 4 weeks or before you see your physician to keep them updated on your progress.
Do I need a referral to come to Physical Therapy?
A referral depends on what insurance you have. We suggest you call your insurance company before hand to see if you require a referral and we will be happy to help you when you call our office.
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit, your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation of the problem. The evaluation involves a history, certain tests and measurements, postural and movement analysis, and palpation to determine muscular and joint involvement. Following the evaluation, these findings will be discussed with you and a Physical Therapy plan of care will be developed by you and your therapist. Treatment is rendered on the first visit as appropriate.
What type of treatments will I receive?
Treatment is based on the initial evaluation findings along with ongoing reassessment and evaluation. Treatment may consist of a variety of hands-on joint and soft tissue treatment techniques, exercise techniques and pain reducing modalities. Treatments are designed to increase motion and strength, reduce pain, and most importantly, restore function. Patients are typically involved in an active exercise program at home and are educated in ways to speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the problem.
When is the best time to start Physical Therapy?
Typically, treatment should begin as early as possible. Treating a problem early helps to prevent it from becoming chronic and in the prevention of future problems. This decreases the length of time you may require treatment and reduces healthcare costs.
Should I ask my doctor to refer me if I think I may need therapy?
There are a few options that you have. If you are having a problem you think may be helped by therapy ask your doctor or give us a call and we will help you to determine if this is a problem that may be helped by Physical Therapy. New York State and Pennsylvania also have Direct Access which allows you to come to Physical Therapy for 10 visits or 30 days without a prescription from your physician. Please contact us for more details.
How can I make an appointment?
Appointments are available within 24 hours! Call the office closest to you and one of our customer service specialists will be glad to help you.
Billing FAQ’s
Who should I contact with billing questions?
All of our billing is handled by our staff. Please contact us at (631) 940.9800.
Are you in my network?
We accept a wide range of insurance plans. Please click here for a general list of accepted plans. If your plan is not listed, it is possible that we are in your Network so please contact our clinic to find out. We do offer services if you chose to pay without insurance as well. Please contact your local office for rates.
Will my insurance cover Physical Therapy?
Most insurance companies do cover physical therapy services. It is always best to check with your insurance company regarding specific coverage guidelines. Our office staff will also verify your specific coverage guidelines at your first visit.
To learn more about Deer Park Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation or to schedule an appointment, please call (631) 940-9800.