Physical Therapy at CCWC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Physical Therapist?
Physical Therapists are licensed health care professionals with a Master’s or Doctorate degree who are experts in musculoskeletal dysfunctions (problems of the muscles and joints). Physical Therapists are trained to analyze movement and identify abnormal mechanics that lead to pain and dysfunction. They then treat these problems using various therapies. Meet our physical therapists
When should I see a physical therapist?
Anytime you are experiencing muscle pain, joint pain, decreased motion of a joint, headaches or any other musculoskeletal problem. Physical therapy is an excellent physical rehabilitation for many kinds of injuries such as a sprained ankle or dislocated knee. It is also wise to consult with a physical therapist before starting a new exercise program if you have pre-existing musculoskeletal injuries.
What conditions does physical therapy help with?
Physical therapists treat a wide variety of disorders and painful conditions that involve the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue and nerves. If you are not sure physical therapy is right for you, one of our therapists would be happy to discuss your situation with you.
Conditions we treat include:
- Neck/back pain
- Disc problems
- Whiplash
- TMJ disorders
- Shoulder pain
- Hip/knee pain
- Spinal stenosis
- Radiculopathy
- Post-orthopedic surgery
- Spinal fusions
- Laminectomies
- Balance disorders
- Pain from pregnancy
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased range of motion
What kind of treatments does Physical Therapy entail?
Physical therapists use various modalities to treat such as joint mobilizations/manipulations (stretching the joint structures), soft tissue mobilization (massage), specific exercises to retrain muscles that have stopped working properly and a variety of other modalities. Some of those modalities are electrical stimulation to reduce pain, reduce swelling or stimulate a muscle to contract; ultrasound to provide deep heat; and traction to help stretch the neck or low back region.
Is physical therapy painful?
Physical therapy should not be painful however some of the techniques may be mildly uncomfortable for brief periods during stretching or soft tissue techniques. You should communicate any discomfort to your therapist so they can adjust what they are doing to make it more comfortable.
Does health insurance cover physical therapy? What would I have to pay?
Most health insurance plans cover physical therapy. Usually, there is a deductible and/or a co-payment or co-insurance for each visit. Co-payments are expected to be paid at each visit. Any remaining amounts not covered by your insurance company will be billed to you. We send out bills monthly but often cannot send you a bill until your insurance company has paid. Since many insurance companies delay paying us, we are not always able to get bills out to our patients as soon as we would like. If you have any questions about your bill, or if you have outstanding visits not yet paid by your insurance company, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Do I need to be referred by my doctor?
Most insurance plans do not require a doctor’s referral to start physical therapy (except Medicare). You can start your care with a physical therapist and if your therapist finds signs or symptoms during the evaluation that indicate you need to be seen by a doctor you will be referred to your primary care physician, urgent care or the emergency room depending on your particular problems. If you do not have a primary care physician we can recommend one.
What do I need to bring?
On your initial visit, please bring your doctor’s prescription for physical therapy (if you have one), any applicable insurance referrals or referral numbers, your insurance card and any other appropriate billing information. If you have any operative reports, MRI or X-ray results you may bring those as well. Additionally, if you are utilizing any type of brace, splint, or crutches, you should also bring those.
What should I wear?
All physical therapy exams are private. Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing is recommended. You may want to wear or bring shorts if we are treating an ankle or knee. We also have cloth gowns available if needed.
Will patients be expected to disrobe for any part of their treatment?
In some cases, a patient is asked to change into a gown, similar to what you might wear at your primary care physician's office in order to provide effective treatment and protect the patient's clothing. Women’s health patients may need to disrobe for part of the treatment session. However, great care is taken that you are always draped (covered) appropriately.
How long is each visit?
Your first visit is an initial evaluation which takes about 45 – 60 minutes. It generally also includes some treatment unless your evaluation was very complex. Follow-up visits will take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on your condition and where you are in your course of therapy.
How often are my treatments?
Frequency and duration of treatment will be determined by your physical therapist in coordination with your physician after the initial evaluation. It depends on the type and severity of the condition you have. However, most patients come to therapy 2 or 3 times per week initially and taper off as their condition improves.
What should I expect during my initial visit?
On your first visit, the physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation lasting approximately 45-60 minutes that includes history, postural assessment, neurological screening, tests and measures to gain a more specific understanding of your condition. Your physical therapist will use the information obtained from your evaluation to formulate a clinical judgment as to your prognosis and appropriate treatment intervention. A physical therapy rehabilitation program will be developed based upon the problems identified and your personal goals.
How many visits will it take me to feel better?
This will depend on your diagnosis, prognosis and condition at the time you begin rehabilitation therapy. Generally, we can make a positive change in how you feel in 1 – 3 visits and get you to your goals within 8 visits. Many patients after surgery, those in severe pain or those with longstanding conditions may require significantly more visits.
Do you do X-Rays?
No. Physical Therapists are not permitted to perform X-Rays. However, if you have had X-Rays, MRI or any other diagnostic imaging, please bring the report with you as this information will be helpful in planning your care.
Can you prescribe medication?
No. Physical Therapists are not licensed to prescribe medicine. However, if you are taking medicine, please let us know what you are taking as many drugs impact the choice of treatments we use.
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical Therapist Assistants, or PTAs, are skilled health care providers who work under the supervision of Physical Therapists. Duties of a PTA include assisting the Physical Therapist in implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting to the Physical Therapist on the patient's responses.
Do you provide any special services for women?
Yes. Physical Therapy can be effective treatment for prenatal and postpartum pain and dysfunction, post gynecological surgery, incontinence / pelvic floor weakness and pelvic pain. Therapy for these conditions often consists of strengthening exercises and muscle stimulation. We have female Physical Therapists who are specially trained in this area of physical therapy.
What can I do to get better while I'm at home?
Your physical therapy treatment will include a home program to be carried out independently. Our therapists will tailor a home program that will not only help you improve the condition you came in for but will also make sure you leave with a program that prevents your problem from coming back.
Will I need follow-up or maintenance care?
The answer depends entirely on the physical therapist's examination and evaluation to determine your diagnosis and prognosis. As you near the end of your course of physical therapy, your Physical Therapist will be better able to answer this question. Most patients need some type of maintenance plan. This is usually a home program provided by your PT that you do on your own. We do have several wellness options to help you stay healthy and prevent the reoccurrence of your current problem and the development of new problems. We have massage therapy, Pilates (private sessions and classes) and personal training available. All of these practitioners work closely with our PT’s and are able to help develop a wellness program specific to you and your needs. Please ask your PT about what we have to offer you at CCWC once you finish your course of physical therapy.
What if I need to return to physical therapy?
If your problem returns after you leave physical therapy, give us a call and schedule another appointment with your Therapist. They can do a quick re-evaluation and determine if you just need a little more time in therapy or if you need to be referred back to your doctor. In some cases, you will need to obtain a new prescription from your doctor depending on your health insurance. Our front office staff should be able to assist you in determining if you need one.
What is my responsibility in physical therapy?
Each patient is ultimately responsible for their success in their physical therapy program. Your physical therapist cannot do it without your active participation. We can provide you with the tools to recover and stay healthy, but we ask that all patients cooperate by following through with their home exercise programs and instructions.
Is it ok to ask my doctor about physical therapy?
Absolutely! You can give your doctor a call or see them for an evaluation prior to or after coming to physical therapy. If your physician is not sure if physical therapy could help your condition, they are welcome to contact us to discuss your situation and what we offer. If you have a problem that you think can be helped with physical therapy, give us a call . After discussing your specific problem, we can give you a better idea if it is something that is manageable with physical therapy.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Simply call our office at 303-333-3493 and select the clinic that is the best location for you. The staff at each location can schedule you, get your insurance information and answer all of your questions. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form (link to contact) we will contact you.
What office policies should I be aware of?
- If you have to reschedule an appointment, please call us at least 24 hours in advance. We set aside space and staff for a one-on-one appointment for you. By giving us at least 24 hours notice we are able to fill your time slot with another patient that needs to get in.
- If you will be late, please call and we'll see if we can keep your appointment as scheduled.
- Payment is due at time of service: your co-pay (if applicable) and any supplies that you may wish to purchase.
- Missed appointments are discouraged. They also become part of your medical record. Multiple missed visits may result in discharge from care, with a note to your physician.
- Before returning to your physician, please let us know and we will prepare a progress report and send it to your physician so they have it for your visit with them.
How are you different from other physical therapy clinics? Why choose CCWC?
- Many physical therapy clinics have their Physical Therapists see multiple patients at one time. At CCWC, you see your Physical Therapist at one-on-one appointments and you always see the same Physical Therapist.
- All of our Physical Therapists have extensive training in manual therapy, soft tissue treatment and Pilates. Our Therapists continue to expand their education every year and are always learning. This ensures you are receiving the most up to date, effective treatments available.
- CCWC is a private practice owned by a Physical Therapist. As a result, we are focused on providing excellent care and satisfied patients while many corporate physical therapy clinics focus more on high volume and corporate profit. We truly have the patient’s best interest in mind.
