Frequently Asked Questions

In Virginia, you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a therapist; the state allows for direct access to Physical Therapy services, meaning you can seek evaluation and treatment directly from a therapist.

You should dress in comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily and doesn’t restrict circulation. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may also recommend special shoes or a brace. You should also bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.

Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physical therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.

Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.

Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.

Your physical therapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!

It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physical therapy, but you should check with your provider to determine coverage and any associated fees.

The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.

Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!

Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.

If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you

Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.

• At Bal Therapy, an OT’s role in the therapy process is to help an individual increase engagement in meaningful occupations (day to day activities such as dressing, bathing, managing medications, cooking, spending time w/ grandkids, going to church, etc) in their home and community while minimizing their risk for falls and decreasing burden of care on their loved ones or caregivers. We will work with you to create an individualized plan to address your goals and help you improve your quality of life.
• An OT can work in collaboration with the rest of the care team including PT, OT, and, Speech Therapy, Caregivers, Physicians, and Case managers to address your needs and keep you at home.
• OT’s are specialists in modifying an environment, analyzing and adapting an activity, identifying and training on equipment to use for daily activities to improve safety and independence, in addition to improving strength, coordination, balance, endurance and cognition. These skills make us a great fit to work with you at home during your daily activities.

The Occupational Therapist is the best person to complete these home assessments due to their extensive knowledge and training using a holistic approach to each client by assessing the person, the environment and the occupations (activities of daily living). The goal is to understand each person’s needs and wants, as well as where they perform their daily activities, in order to create a comprehensive plan to improve safety while maximizing independence.

A home assessment will typically include:

• An evaluation of the home’s accessibility and safety
• Assessing the client/caregiver engaging in daily activities that have become challenging
• Based on needs, an Assessment of an individual’s strength, ROM, coordination, cognition, balance and vision may be completed
• Assessing and practicing mobility throughout the home
• Identifying safety risk factors that might limit daily activities or increase their risk for falling
• Making recommendations for modifications or equipment to improve safety and maximize independence
• Educating caregivers and/or family as needed

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. While it’s often associated with motor symptoms like tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, fatigue, and balance difficulties, people with PD also experience a range of non-motor symptoms. These may include dementia, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, visual deficits, low blood pressure, impulsivity, and pain — especially as a result of certain medications.

Despite these challenges, many people with Parkinson’s have a strong desire to age in place — to remain in their own homes and communities safely and independently for as long as possible. This is where occupational therapy (OT) plays a key role.

What Is Occupational Therapy’s Role in PD?

Occupational therapists use the PEOP model — Person, Environment, Occupation — to assess and support individuals holistically. This means we consider:

• The person: Physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities
• The environment: Home layout, lighting, furniture, and tools
• The occupation: The meaningful tasks and daily routines that make up a person’s life

By tailoring interventions to these areas, we can empower individuals with PD to maintain independence and reduce risk of injury or frustration at home.

Common Home Challenges for People with PD
Research has identified three primary areas of concern for individuals with Parkinson’s in the home:

• Grab bars in the bathroom — not available or improperly placed
  
• Stairs — difficult to climb safely
  
• Shelves — often too high to reach comfortably