What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a health care profession that helps individuals whose movement and function are adversely affected by aging, injury, disease, or environmental factors. Together with the help of physical therapists, these patients work toward the goals of relieving pain, as well as developing, maintaining, and restoring maximum movement and functional ability.
The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training. Physical therapy, which has many specialties such as sports medicine, industrial, orthopedic, and pediatrics, is available in many settings: outpatient clinics, offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, schools, hospitals, industrial workplaces, and fitness centers.
How do I receive physical therapy?
In order to receive physical therapy, you need to obtain a prescription from a health care provider. This provider may also suggest a specific rehabilitation company or provide you with a list of physical therapists in your area. In some cases, your insurance company will guide you to the "in network" providers that are included in your insurance plan. But the final decision as to where you receive rehabilitation care is up to you.
Be sure to let your health care provider or insurance company know that Palm Beach Aquatic & Physical Therapy is your first choice when it comes to rehabilitation. We participate in many insurance plans; however, if we are not in your network, look into whether your plan has out-of-network benefits that will allow you to receive our first-rate services with some level of benefit. We appreciate your interest in Palm Beach Aquatic & Physical Therapy, and we'd love to work with you on your return to an active lifestyle.
Physical therapy is valuable in the treatment of many diagnoses, so it's always a good idea to ask your health care provider to prescribe physical therapy before other methods such as prescription medication. If you are unsure whether or not physical therapy can help you, contact a representative or therapist at Palm Beach Aquatic and Physical Therapy as we are always happy to answer any further questions or concerns you may have.
What should I wear to physical therapy?
The physical therapist will need to expose and examine the body part (knee, shoulder, back, etc.) you are being seen for. Please wear appropriate clothing that will allow this. For all visits, wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing suitable for exercise.
How long are appointments?
The initial evaluation usually takes a little longer because we are taking your history and doing a physical examination, but typical visits last about an hour to an hour and a half.
How many visits will I need?
Again, this depends on your situation. Each diagnosis is different and each person responds differently to the care plan.
