Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Physical therapy is a health care profession that helps individuals whose movement and function are adversely affected by aging, injury, disease, or environmental factors. Together with the help a physical therapist, these patients work toward the goals of relieving pain, as well as developing, maintaining, and restoring maximum movement and functional ability.
The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training. Physical therapy, which has many specialties such as sports medicine, industrial, orthopedic, and pediatrics, is available in many settings: outpatient clinics, offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, schools, hospitals, industrial workplaces, and fitness centers.
WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?
Physical therapists are experts in restoring movement and function. After examining patients, therapists create comprehensive programs focused on total body care, injury prevention, as well as safe and timely returns to work, life, or sports. Depending on the needs of a particular patient, physical therapists may mobilize a joint, provide soft tissue work to a muscle, or perform a corrective exercise to restore normal movement patterns and function.
In addition to this hands-on care, physical therapists educate patients on preventing injury and performing home exercises.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST VISIT
At Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI), our talented team works with a variety of patients from the senior citizens who has had a knee replacement surgery, adults who suffer from back pain, workers who were injured on the job, or high school athletes who are recovering from sports-related injuries. No matter what the injury, we are fully prepared to meet your needs. From the first time we meet you, we guarantee that our number one priority is your return to an active lifestyle. If you have never received rehabilitation services before, or have but are new to the OPTI experience, the following information explains what you can expect by working with us.
After an initial physical examination and diagnosis by a health care provider, you will receive a prescription for physical therapy treatment. At the first visit, you will undergo a comprehensive initial evaluation, which includes an extensive history, physical exam, and objective testing and measuring. An OPTI therapist will also work with you to establish your rehabilitation goals. Following the evaluation, an individualized plan of care is developed to meet your specific rehabilitative needs. Whether the objective is flexibility, strength, endurance, or a combination, the therapist creates a comprehensive rehabilitation program focused on total body care, injury prevention, as well as a safe and timely return to work, life, or sports.
At this point, treatment is set to begin.
Once the plan of care is established, you and the OPTI therapist work side-by-side to make sure your goals outlined in the plan are met. OPTI’s well-trained, professional staff uses the most progressive and evidence based treatment options and techniques to ensure the best possible recovery. If you don’t understand the treatment or you feel pain, talk to your OPTI therapist. It’s important to ask questions, stay involved in your treatment process, and know what’s going on and why. Patient education is one of the most important things to us. With physical therapy, pain may be a warning signal. By pushing yourself through too much pain, you may do more harm than good. Our motto is not “no pain, no gain.” It is “Know pain, know gain,” because the more you understand what is going on, the faster you will progress. We will listen attentively to your needs, while calming any worries and explaining any uncertainties.
You are our partner in your rehabilitation. You will also receive a home exercise program and instructions. It is imperative that you adhere to the program by doing your exercises in the order and frequency noted. Doing so will help you reduce pain, restore physical function, and ultimately heal faster and get moving again.
THE CHOICE
Your health care provider may suggest a specific rehabilitation company or provide you with a list of physical therapists in your area. In some cases, your insurance company will guide you to the “in network” providers that are included in your insurance plan. But the final decision as to where you receive rehabilitation services is always up to you.
Be sure to let your health care provider or insurance company know that Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI) is your first choice when it comes to rehabilitation services. We participate in many insurance plans; however, if OPTI is not in your network, look into whether your plan has out-of-network benefits that will allow you to receive our first-rate services with some level of benefit. We appreciate your interest in OPTI, and we’d love to work with you on your return to an active lifestyle.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AS A PATIENT?
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI)’s well-trained, professional staff leads with a forward-thinking patient first philosophy that is applied to all aspects of our operations. This way of practice demonstrates the commitment from our dedicated caregivers to the people they work for—YOU.
What does this mean exactly?
- We ensure that YOU will have access to information you need to make the best health care choices for you and your family.
- We listen attentively to YOUR needs, while calming any worries or uncertainties.
- We understand that life is difficult after an injury, and will provide YOU exceptional support for the daily challenges involved during recovery.
- We promise open, honest communication with YOU and other members of your health care team.
- We inform and educate YOU about treatment options and the course of care.
- We make decisions based on the best interests of YOU and your family. And we involve YOU in these decisions.
- We are focused on improving YOUR health, YOUR well-being and, most of all, YOUR quality of life.
WHAT TYPE OF FOLLOW-UP IS OFFERED?
At Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI), our well-trained, professional staff emphasizes the importance of continuing your treatment with a home exercise program. Your therapist will design an at-home program for you and provide detailed instructions. This will allow you to continue the progress you made while in therapy and avoid further injury.
We are partners in your recovery; so even after discharge, if you have questions, call us and we will be more than happy to help you with any questions or needs you may have.
OPTI Phone Number (209) 312-9739 or email us at info@optiphysicaltherapy.com