What to Expect: Visit to a Physical Therapy Clinic
February 23, 2020- Hector Flanagan
Patients suffering from musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiac system issues go to a physical therapy clinic as part of their treatment and care plan. In today’s post, let us talk about what to expect at your visit to a physical therapy clinic and the benefits of this healthcare specialty area.
This type of clinic can operate in a variety of settings: hospitals, outpatient facilities, rehabilitation clinics, schools and universities, nursing homes, and the likes.
Physical Therapy: The Basics
This branch of healthcare is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that impact a patient’s physical functions and mobility. Physical therapists treat patients of all ages. The goal is to restore the optimum physical functionality of each patient. To attain this goal, a treatment plan is developed for every patient’s specific conditions, needs, and health goals.
Are you having difficulties moving?
If you are challenged by doing your daily activities, you may benefit from a visit to a physical therapy clinic and get the services from a skilled healthcare professional.
A physical therapist is capable of adequately assessing a patient’s mobility. Based on this assessment, the physical therapist will offer strategies to help a patient move better – and ultimately feel better.
Your PT will customize and treatment plan for you. This treatment plan includes stretches and exercises to improve your strength, range of motion, flexibility, and balance.
How many visits to the physical therapy clinic should you do?
This question is common among PT patients, but the answer is not always straightforward. The length of the treatment and the number of visits you have to do will depend on several important considerations.
During your initial visit, your physical therapist will carefully assess your medical history and present condition. He or she will then develop an individualized treatment plan for you. This plan is designed to fulfill your health needs and goals.
Based on these factors, the number of sessions you have to take can range from a few sessions to several weeks or months.
Setting the Right Rehabilitation Goals
Being thoughtful and realistic about what rehabilitation goals you want to achieve is vital. Before you start out with physical therapy, think about what outcome you want to achieve at the end of the treatment program.
These rehabilitation goals should be what’s essential to your physical and mental health. The goals should be attainable and realistic. Your PT will then work with you to create a treatment program aimed at achieving these rehabilitation goals.
With that being said, keep in mind that rehabilitation goals are not always going to be fixed. As you reach a different stage of your recovery, you may be capable of setting new rehabilitation goals. This scenario requires the input of your physical therapist as he or she is the one with the expertise to evaluate the progress of your recovery.
If you find it harder to achieve your rehabilitation goals, it’s essential to communicate it with your physical therapist. He or she may need to make some changes to your treatment plan or further assess your health condition.
Ultimately, your rehabilitation goals must center around restoring any limited mobility and improving your overall function – so you can live optimally.
Health Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy
There is a wide variety of health issues for which physical therapy is a primary treatment option. Because of this, physical therapy is further divided into several specialty areas – which the general population may not be aware of.
The specialty areas in physical therapy are:
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Sports Physical Therapy/Sports Rehabilitation
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Cardiac Rehab
- Neurological Physical Therapy
- Aquatic Physical Therapy
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort that limits your normal and day-to-day mobility, then a visit to a regular physical therapy clinic is ideal. However, if you need a more specialized form of physical therapy, your primary healthcare provider may be able to refer you to a qualified physical therapist for your specific condition.
Furthermore, most states across the country allow patients to go to a physical therapy clinic without checking with their doctor first. Check your jurisdiction for this stipulation. Also, check with your insurance provider to see if you need a physician’s prescription.
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