What to expect on your first visit
What is involved in a PT session?
Each session is approximately 30 to 45 minutes long and follows the outline of care developed by the therapist consisting of modalities, manual treatment and therapeutic exercise. All treatment
prescribed is focused on your individual need.
We believe in using modalities to handle symptoms such as pain and swelling and as preparation for the manual techniques to be done or to reduce pain after the session. Manual techniques can
include mobilization or massage. Therapeutic exercise is prescribed to the patient during the session and a home exercise program is developed for home, office or on the road use. We are the
experts in modifying exercises to be done practically anywhere!
Remember that you are the key player in your recovery so you need to attend your therapy sessions as prescribed and do your exercises. Patients are periodically reassessed to check on their
progress and to modify the plan of care as needed. A progress report is sent to your doctor as needed and typically before your follow up appointments. Be sure to tell your therapist in advance
of any appointments.
How long will my PT course of treatment take?
Each person and their condition is different. The length of the physical therapy course of treatment depends on the severity of your problem, your response to treatment, the course of treatment
prescribed by the doctor, your compliance with attending your sessions, doing your home exercise program and modifying your activities as instructed. Typically patients are in PT from 1-3 months.
You are ready for discharge when:
your goals have been met in terms of pain, mobility, strength, resumption of activities,
you can safely resume your activity level prior to the injury or the onset of the condition, and
the physician approval is obtained.
Do I need a prescription to see a PT?
If you have had an auto or work comp accident, you will need a prescription to start PT. Clover insurance also requires a prescription. If you have any other insurance, you may begin without a
prescription.
How do I start PT?
Speak to your physician and let them know you'd like to start physical therapy with us. Then call 609-695-8100 and
talk to our front desk receptionist on how to get started. She'll most likely ask what insurance you have and then schedule you! It's as easy as that!
What is the difference between PT & Chiropractic?
Physical Therapists differ from chiropractors primarily in the areas of philosophy of illness and in some treatment techniques. Physical therapists accept the same traditional medical view of health
and disease that medical doctors do: that germs, genetics, diet, and lifestyle are among the primary causes of most illnesses. Classic chiropractic philosophy states that most diseases are linked to
the spine. Some chiropractors are known for their use of high velocity forceful manipulations of the spine to correct spinal misalignments at each session. Physical therapy treatments tend to use
mobilizations (a less forceful manipulation) to restore joint alignment and motion and high velocity forceful manipulations more seldom. In conjunction with mobilizations, physical therapists work on
the supporting tissues. The focus is also on therapeutic exercise and training patients to manage their lives in less destructive patterns. Patients with recent fractures, osteoporosis, muscle spasm
and joint limitations are some of the problems that respond well to safely graded mobilization. We can refer you to local chiropractors and work closely with them so you can take advantage of
both modalities.
"I know what to do, I have had this before."
"I talked to several people who had similar problems and they told me what to do."
There are times when some simple suggestions or past experience will get you through. But each person is different and each episode is different as well. A physical therapist is highly skilled at
assessing different body types, movement patterns, compensations and postural alignments, and can safely direct you in the proper exercise, activities and body mechanics. Most importantly, through
education you will learn more about your problem and will be able to manage it better in the future and know when to seek help.
Commonly used medical terms in Physical Therapy
Supine: Lying on your back
Prone: lying on your stomach
Cervical: neck
Thoracic: middle spine
Lumbar: low back
Where can I park in Trenton?
Metered parking is available right on our street as well as adjoining streets. Most meters are 60 min long and if you venture further from our office (couple blocks), you can find two hour meters. Additional parking is available at City Hall and DMV lots. If this worries you for any reason, meters end at 5pm and on weekends and these are easier times to park in Trenton. We are also accessible by bus and train!
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