Frequently Asked Questions
“There is often confusion between chiropractic and physical therapy. Chiropractic treatment is a philosophy of health that asserts pain and dysfunction, regardless of where it presents itself, stems from misalignment of the spine; therefore, chiropractic treatment must include manipulation. You may receive other modalities during your treatment with the chiropractor, but the massage, heat and electrotherapy are only adjuncts to the chiropractic manipulation. Physical therapists, by way of contrast, believe that a vast majority of pain and dysfunction results from problems in the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, etc.). Apart from the philosophical differences, from my experience, the biggest difference between chiropractic and physical therapy is in the effort to guide you to a point when you will become independent of the physical therapist. Especially early in your treatment, I may do treatments to you, but by the time we are nearly done, you will be independent in various movements and practices which will allow you to manage your condition on your own. “What Ails You: Role of physical therapist more complicated than some understand” July 30, 2007 By Jackie Randa Desert Dispatch, California”
The licensed physical therapist will take a brief medical history followed by an analysis of your muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, mobility, and pain level. You will be asked to perform a variety of movements and assume different positions throughout this evaluation. After the physical therapist customizes your Plan of Care, treatment begins. This PT Evaluation and Plan of Care will be sent to your referring physician.
Physical therapists are experts in movement and neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder and a physical therapist can help relieve the pain. Physical therapists will teach you techniques and adaptations so you can establish self-help and problems solving skills. The phsyical therapist will evaluate you and determine the Plan of Care, which will be sent to your doctor for his approval. Different procedures, modalities, and exercises will be used. See the above question, “What is Physical Therapy.”
We accept majority of the major insurance policies, including BCBS, Medicare, Cigna, Aetna, and UMR, United Healthcare. We also accept workers compensation. Please give us a call if you have a question in regards to your insurance or plan benefits!
Your first visit will be the longest visit, since you will be evaluated and receive treatment for your condition. This first visit could take about an hour and a half. The following visits will be about one hour.
The frequency of your treatment will depend on your physician’s prescription and the plan of care developed by your therapist. Most patients require 2-3 times a week. The duration of your treatment will depend upon your injury and your personal progress.
Bring your prescription for physical therapy from your referring doctor, photo ID, and insurance cards. Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on their first visit. and Rehabilitation
Comfortable clothing is recommended, like workout clothes or casual attire. Your attire should also allow you to easily access your injured area for treatment by your therapist.
Physical Therapy is a specialized area of healthcare which helps patients return to maximum physical function following injury, surgery or disease. Physical therapists are professionally trained and clinically licensed by the State of Texas. Our therapists specialize in treating muscular and/or joint related conditions. Physical therapists use passive and active therapies to treat patients. Passive therapies include heat/cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, and joint mobilization. Active therapies include carefully monitored stretching, strengthening and other therapeutic exercise.