What Is A Physical Therapist?

• Physical therapists are experts in movement and function. As of 2016, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is required to sit for the national board exam.  Physical therapists care for individuals of all ages and address functional deficits resulting from injuries, surgeries, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disorders as a part of outpatient physical therapy. Physical therapists also provide services to athletes or active individuals to screen for potential problems and develop preventive exercise programs.

What Does a Physical Therapy Appointment Look Like?

• During your first visit, the initial evaluation, your physical therapist will perform an examination to assess your needs. You will be asked questions regarding the history of your current condition as well as other past medical history that may affect your current condition and your ability to recover.  The objective of the initial evaluation is to determine a diagnosis and develop a plan of care to treat your condition and meet your functional goals.  Subsequent visits can include therapeutic exercise, functional training, hands-on care, and patient education.  Prior to discharge from physical therapy, the therapist will ensure the patient feels confident in their ability to perform prescribed exercises, stretches, and other self-care techniques to prevent a return of or manage the severity of their symptoms.

Do I need a prescription for physical therapy?

• You do not need a prescription to have physical therapy. At PT Direct, we have a direct access license allowing patient’s to be seen for 30 days without a referral from a physician.  If you and your therapist deem that physical therapy is necessary for greater than 30 days, you can obtain a prescription from your physician, or your therapist can submit a plan of care to be signed by your physician.  Once returned, the plan of care acts as a prescription and treatment can continue.

What is mobile physical therapy?

• Mobile physical therapy is not to be confused with home health physical therapy. Home health PT is usually ordered after a surgery or hospitalization to ensure safety in the home.  Mobile PT is outpatient physical therapy delivered to the comfort and convenience of your home.  As an outpatient practice, our therapists will bring weights, resistance bands, a treatment table, and a variety of other equipment to your home to provide high quality treatment to help you reach your goals.

Who is mobile physical therapy appropriate for?

• Mobile physical therapy is the ideal physical therapy service for time crunched individuals who need outpatient physical therapy services that match their busy schedule. Having a busy schedule should not prohibit you from receiving quality care when you need it; this is where PT Direct can help!  Patients who are proactive in their care and compliant with their home exercise programs will experience the best results.