Physical therapy is the treatment of a disease or condition by physical or mechanical means, such as through exercise, heat, manual techniques or electrical current. A physical therapist provides these treatments and will also provide education, instruction, and support for recovery.

The purpose of physical therapy is to decrease pain and allow you to gradually return to your normal activities. Physical therapy can reduce pain in the soft tissues (such as the muscles, ligaments, and tendons), improve function, and build muscle strength. A physical therapist will design a program specific to your normal level of activity, physical fitness, and severity of pain.

Do I need to see a physician before coming to you?

You are not required to obtain a referral for a physical therapist to perform a physical therapy evaluation on you – but current regulations in the State of Texas require a physician’s referral before physical therapy treatments can begin.

How long are the appointments?

The first visit, the initial evaluation, takes about one hour. Each follow-up visit will take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes

What are your hours of operation?

Ours hours vary slightly from clinic to clinic but generally we are open from 7:00 to 6:30 on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and 7:00 to 5:00 on Tuesday/Thursday. We are closed for lunch most days from 12:00 to 1:00.

Will my insurance pay for Physical Therapy treatment?  What would I have to pay for each visit?

Most insurance plans cover outpatient therapy. Usually, there is a deductible and/or a co-payment for each visit. We will call and get an explanation of your benefits for you and let you know of your coinsurance amount before we begin treatment. We normally collect coinsurance amounts at the end of each week of treatment.

What information do I need to bring with me to my first visit?

On your initial visit, please bring your physicians referral for physical therapy, any applicable insurance referrals or referral numbers, your insurance card, and any other appropriate billing information.

What should I wear?

All exams are private. Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is recommended. Please wear or bring shorts if we are treating an ankle, knee or hip. Females may want to consider wearing a sports bra for shoulder or spines conditions.

What should I expect during my initial Physical Therapy visit?

To initiate a program of physical therapy, your physical therapist will first provide a thorough evaluation. This will include obtaining your medical history, and selecting and administering specific tests and measurements to obtain specific data for your injury or condition.

In addition to the evaluation, what else will be involved in my treatment?

Your Physical Therapist may use one or a combination of the following interventions to achieve treatment goals:

•     Therapeutic exercises (including aerobic conditioning)
•     Functional training in self care and home management
•     Manual therapy techniques (soft tissue and joint mobilization)
•     Physical agents, mechanical and/or thermal modalities
•     Electrotherapeutic modalities
•     Educational and/or application of assistive, adaptive, and protective devices and equipment

How many times a week and for how many weeks will I have to come?

Frequency and duration of treatment will be determined by your physician or after the initial evaluation by your physical therapist. The typical frequency is 2-3 times per week.

What is a Physical Therapist (PT, MPT, DPT)?

A Physical Therapist provides services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes. They provide services to people of all ages who have functional conditions from back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, as well as work and sports injuries.

The minimal educational requirement is a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited education program and graduates must pass a state-administered national exam.

What is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?

Physical Therapist Assistants, or PTAs, are skilled health care providers whose specific role is to assist the physical therapist in providing physical therapy. They are graduates of an accredited physical therapist assistant associate degree program and are required to obtain a license to practice in the state of Texas. PTA's, under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, perform physical therapy procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the supervising physical therapist.

What is an Athletic Trainer (LAT)?

Athletic Trainers, (LATs and/or ATC's) are professional, licensed and/or nationally certified allied healthcare providers educated and trained in the prevention. assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. Their primary practice area, as defined by the American Medical Association (AMA), is physical medicine and rehabilitation. Traditionally, many athletic trainers are employed in athletic settings including middle school, high school, college/university, professional, and recreational sports. However, with the emergence of utilizing athletic trainers in the allied health community, many more find work in clinical, industrial, and hospital settings as well.

What is a Physical Therapist Aide?

Physical Therapist Aides, under the direct on-site supervision of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, assist in making patient’s therapy sessions more productive. They are responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized and for preparing for and assisting in each patient’s therapy. Because they are not licensed, aides do not perform the skilled clinical tasks of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.