Joints in Motion Physical Therapy
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Click on any of the frequently asked questions below...

What happens during my first visit?

During your first visit you can expect the following:

  • Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website – see the paperwork or forms link).
  • You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy.
    We will copy your insurance card.
  • You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
  • The therapist will discuss the following:
    1. Your medical history.
    2. Your current problems/complaints.
    3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
    4. How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
    5. Your goals with physical therapy.
    6. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
  • The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
    1. Palpation – touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
    2. Range of Motion (ROM) – the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
    3. Muscle Testing – the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
    4. Neurological Screening – the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
    5. Special Tests – the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
      Posture
    6. Assessment – the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.

 

The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient’s input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.

How long will each treatment last?

Your first visit will take approximately 1½ hours for the evaluation and to begin treatment. Your treatment time will vary depending on your particular injury. If you are ever on a time constraint, please inform us when you arrive for your appointment and we will accommodate your needs.

How should I dress?

You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.

What do I need to bring with me?

Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager’s contact information. If you are covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring this information.

Why is physical therapy a good choice?

More than half of all Americans are suffering from pain. Whether it is a recent episode or chronic, an ABC News/Stanford study revealed that pain in America is a serious problem. However, many do not even know that physical therapists are well equipped to not only treat pain but also its source. 

Physical therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

Why should I choose a private practice physical therapist?

Who is better to see, a PT that works for a physician or a PT that owns a private practice? We leave it up to you to draw your own conclusions but here are some facts. The studies indicate there were more treatments (visits per patient were 39% to 45% higher in physician owned clinics) and the cost was greater for those patients that attended a physician owned physical therapy practice (both gross and net revenue per patient were 30% to 40% higher)1. 

Another older study concluded that “Therapists who had treated patients through direct access were significantly more likely to believe that direct access had benefited them professionally and benefited their patients than were therapists who had not practiced through direct access.”2.

We believe that we can provide you with the highest quality of care available and do it in a cost-effective manner3. You will work closely with your physical therapist and in most instances, your case will be managed by the same physical therapist from the beginning to the end of your experience with us.

  • Mitchell, J., Scott, E., Physician Ownership of Physical Therapy Services: Effects on Charges, Utilization, Profits, and Service Characteristics, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992.
  • Domholdt E, Durchholz AG. Direct access use by experienced therapists in states with direct access. Phys Ther. 1992 Aug;72(8):569-74.
  • Federal Office of the Inspector General May 1, 2006 – This report calls into question billing processes done by non-physical therapist owned practices.

Who will see me?

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists and he/she will also see you during subsequent visits. Joints in Motion PT uses licensed Physical Therapist Assistants to add value to the treatment time by ensuring proper exercise performance and personal attention while in the clinic. Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important to develop a close relationship with your PT/PTA team to maintain continuity of care and to speed your recovery.

What happens if my problem or pain returns?

Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

Can I go directly to my physical therapist?

Forty-four states have some form of direct access. Some state physical therapy practice acts require a diagnosis before a patient can see a therapist (this is the case in California, Michigan, and Colorado to name a few). Other states allow patients to go directly to physical therapists. In most cases, if you are not making significant improvement within 30 days, the therapist will refer you to/back to your physician. 

Seeing a physical therapist first is safe and could save you hundreds of dollars. Click the following for details:

How does the billing process work?

Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor’s office. When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

  1. The physical therapist bills your insurance company, Workers’ Comp, or charges you based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.
  2. Those codes are transferred to a billing form that is either mailed or electronically communicated to the payer.
  3. The payer processes this information and makes payments according to an agreed upon fee schedule.
  4. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic with a check for payment and a balance due by the patient.
  5. The patient is expected to make the payment on the balance if any.

How do I choose a physical therapy clinic?

These are some things you may consider when seeking a physical therapy clinic:

  • The therapist should be licensed in the state.
  • The first visit should include a thorough medical history and physical examination before any treatment is rendered.
  • The patient goals should be discussed in detail during the first visit.
  • Care should include a variety of techniques which might include hands-on techniques, soft tissue work, therapeutic exercises and in some cases heat, cold, electrical stimulation or ultrasound.
  • Do they have a service that can address your problem?
  • Do they take your insurance or are they willing to work with you if they are not a preferred provider?
  • They should be conveniently located. Since sitting and driving often aggravate orthopedic problems, there should be a very good reason for you to drive a long distance for rehabilitation.
  • What are the hours of operation?
  • Can they provide satisfaction survey results?
  • The therapist should provide and/or direct the treatment.
  • Can you briefly interview the therapist before the first visit?
  • Ask your family and friends who they would recommend.
Joints in Motion Physical Therapy
Joints in Motion Physical Therapy
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