Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during physical therapy sessions?
Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.
Do I need a referral from my doctor before attending Physical Therapy?
In Virginia, you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist; the state allows for direct access to physical therapy services, meaning you can seek evaluation and treatment directly from a physical therapist.
What do I need to wear or bring with me?
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.
Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?
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.
How long will my physical therapy sessions last?
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.
Are there any exercises I can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?
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.
What if I have questions after my physical therapy session?
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!
Will insurance cover my physical therapy?
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.
How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?
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.
How long will it take for me to see results?
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!
Will my physical therapist be able to answer any questions I have about my condition?
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.
What if I feel too much pain during a session?
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
How will I know when I no longer need physical therapy?
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.
How would you describe your clinic’s overall mission in one sentence?
We are focused on improving quality of life for older adults who want to maximize their golden years and maintain independence. Our specialty includes a focus on aging in place whether that’s at home or In a facility
What makes your clinic’s approach to physical therapy unique compared to others in your area?
We have a focus on Neuro including parkinson’s, dementia, stroke and balance training. We are able to practice functional movements and activities in real time in the person’s home to strategize what could make it easier.
What emotions or feelings do you want patients to experience when they first visit your website?
It was nice having them come into my home to help solve the issue I was having with my back when washing the dishes. I feel much better walking outside now that I had the chance to practice stepping on the sidewalk curb. My mom hasn’t moved this well in years, I’m not as worried about falls.
Which service or treatment do you feel is most important to highlight on the site, and why should patients care about it?
Falls prevention, age in place, balance training, strength and general mobility, esp in the community
What do you believe patients should understand about their recovery journey with you before they even book an appointment?
Balance takes consistent practice and daily work to improve and maintain
How does your clinic personalize care to each patient’s needs, and why is this important for their recovery?
One-on-one tx sessions with constant re-assessment to determine your specific needs and what to work on in the moment
Why should a new patient trust your clinic for their therapy needs? What makes you stand out from others?
We don’t believe in ‘fixing’ the problem for you. Better to give you the tools to work on for yourself and facilitate the change
What success stories or patient testimonials best represent how your clinic helps people get better and live pain-free?
MaryA was having repeated falls and injuries. We worked with her through insurance then continued on Healthy Fit with focus on balance. Under our sessions she improved her balance and her daughter learned strategies to better respond to balance situations. No falls in 8 months.
Margaret W had Guillon Barre and bed bound- we have worked with her as she graduated to the wc, then walker and rollator, now training her to walk with a cane in preparation for a cruise