GOT QUESTIONS?
We've got answers.
WHAT CAN PT DO FOR ME?
Because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist’s program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery by providing services that develop, maintain and restore people’s maximum movement and functional ability. They can help people at any stage of life, when movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. Physical therapists help people maximize their quality of life, looking at physical, psychological, emotional and social well-being.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL?
Arkansas is a direct access state, meaning you do not need a doctor's referral to be evaluated by one of our therapists; However, you may be referred to us by your doctor.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FIRST VISIT?
Please remember to bring a form of identification, a list of your current prescriptions, and insurance card. If you have a prescription for physical therapy from your doctor, bring that with you, too. We will make copies to keep in your file.
If your visit is covered by Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number with you, as well as your case manager’s contact information. If your visit will be covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, please bring details for us to keep in your medical record
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY INSURANCE WILL COVER PT?
While we are not required to do so, as a courtesy to our patients, Advanced Physical Therapy will verify insurance benefits and file all insurances, both in-network and out-of-network. If your plan is out-of-network, we will help you weigh your options regarding physical therapy treatment. Please contact our front office staff to discuss any questions you may have regarding the specifics of your insurance policy.
Have any more questions? Please contact Tonja at 214.675.9410 with any questions regarding a bill or your account.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST ORTHOPEDIC VISIT?
Your physical therapist will begin by asking you lots of questions about your health and about the specific condition for which you are seeking treatment. Detailed information about you and your condition will help the PT determine whether you are likely to benefit from physical therapy and which treatments are most likely to help you. Your PT will perform a detailed examination; Depending on your symptoms and condition, the physical therapist will evaluate your strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, blood pressure, and heart and respiration rates. Your PT will use his or her hands to examine or "palpate" the affected area or to perform a detailed examination of the mobility of your joints, muscles, and other tissues.Your PT will work with you to determine your goals for physical therapy and will begin to develop a plan for your treatment. In many cases, the PT will make a diagnosis and begin treatment almost immediately.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST PELVIC FLOOR VISIT?
We staff a female-only team of pelvic rehabilitation therapists to address your pelvic floor concerns. You will be taken to a private, comfortable treatment room and meet with your therapist to have a one-on-one conversation about all of your questions and concerns. The first appointment should include a careful interview and discussion about your experience, including an account of symptoms as well as medical history and lifestyle. Pelvic floor therapists are trained to be sensitive to how personal and intimate these topics and this part of your body can be. Before assessing your pelvic floor, your PT will carefully go through what to expect during the exam, showing you on the pelvic model or using pictures to see the muscles that will be assessed and answering any questions you have. The therapist will then evaluate your posture, back, and hips, and they should also explain along the way what they are noticing and how physical therapy can help.
To complete the assessment, your PT may need to conduct an internal exam. Internal examination helps a PT get a full sense of the strength and flexibility of your pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and fascia. For women, this will be through the vagina (though not with a speculum like a standard pelvic exam). For men and some women, the exam is done rectally. In some cases an internal exam is not necessary or possible, such as when your condition involves pain during penetration.
Often a biofeedback examination will be part of the complete evaluation. The therapist will use an internal or external sensors. These sensors do not do anything to you; they read the electrical activity in your muscles so that you and your therapist can see your pelvic floor muscles at work on a monitor.
If you are on your period or not comfortable doing this part during your first visit, the internal exam can wait until the second appointment.
