Physical Therapy

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What do physical therapists do?

Physical therapists are experts in movement and function, and treat patients with orthopedic problems such as lower back pain, knee injuries and so on. While physical therapists do work to correct injuries, a huge part of PT programs is helping prevent injury, loss of movement, and reduce the risk of overworked muscles. Many physical therapists work with athletes to ensure they are operating at peak performance. Education also plays a large role in physical therapy. Our goal is to provide patients with the resources they need to take care of themselves and prevent further or future injuries.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

You should arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment to complete your new patient registration forms (if you have not already printed and completed them). Please bring your health insurance card and a photo ID.

Your physical therapist will review your prescription, conduct an evaluation of your injury/condition and create an individualized treatment plan with a prescribed number of weekly visits.

How may visits will I need?

This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.

What should I wear?

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.

Is Physical Therapy painful?

For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance. We Service: Manhattan Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy in Manhattan in manual therapy and highly individualized. Our clinic specializes in manual therapy and highly individualized treatment sessions.

In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.