I’ve heard of physical therapy but I don’t know what it is. What is it?

Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians.

Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it.

While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, our physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels.

The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.

I’ve heard of occupational therapy but I don’t know what it is. What is it?

Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan (from newborns to older adults) to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities  (occupations), such as eating, dressing, school activities and work. Occupational therapists treat all individuals through all ages and stages of life, enabling people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. 

Occupational Therapy Specialties: 

  • Pediatrics: developmental delay, sensory integration, emotional regulation, reflex integration, visual deficits, motor skills
  • Musculoskeletal Dysfunction, Neuromuscular Re-ed/disorders, Work Injuries, Upper Extremity Rehab, Cognitive Retraining, Activities of Daily Living, Sports Injuries, Hand Therapy, Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury of the upper extremities (i.e., hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder girdle, rotator cuff, multiple joints), and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include:

  • an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,
  • customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, and
  • an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan. 

Occupational therapists have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.

I’ve heard of speech therapy but I don’t know what it is. What is it?

Speech Therapy focuses on assessment and diagnosis, counseling patient and family, and treating communication and swallowing disorders. Speech therapists work with all ages for:

  • Stuttering/fluency of speech
  • Cognition: Memory and thought organization
  • Speech: Phonation and articulation
  • Swallowing: Difficulties with chewing and swallowing
  • Voice: Respiration and production/projection of voice
  • Sensory Awareness
How do I find a physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech therapist?

As a patient, you have the right to receive therapy at any place you choose. At Choice Therapy, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you need.

We pride ourselves on providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free and functional life.

Are your physical, occupational and speech therapists trained to treat my condition?

Our therapists have years of university level training in audiology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences.

Our therapists have graduated from accredited therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the university and therapy discipline, the therapy program is either a masters or doctorate level degree.

Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.

Will therapy benefit me?

Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical, occupational or speech therapy will be the right choice for you. Call us today to discuss your current condition or REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What is In Home Therapy?

People who are unable to get out of their home, live within 6 miles of our outpatient clinic, and are not on Home Health services are able to be seen for outpatient services in your home. This program is set up for people who, for a short period of time, are unable to get out of their house. We typically transition these people into outpatient services in our clinic as they improve physically. It is ideal for people receiving a total joint replacement surgery. Please contact our clinic for more information.

Will physical or occupational therapy hurt me?

Physical or occupational therapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain. However, as you restore your mobility, pain levels, at times can fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering.

This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No, we can treat you without a physician’s referral for physical therapy but you will need a referral for occupational or speech therapy. Our staff may contact your physician for more information as we want the most comprehensive and effective care possible for you. Some insurance companies do require a referral to qualify for their particular insurance plan. It is best to check with your insurance provider to see if a referral is required. We can assist you with contacting your insurance. An option is to pay for therapy services privately, which will not require a physician referral. We have payment options available. Contact us and we’ll help you with every step of the process.

I want to schedule an appointment – how do I do that?

Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available, hours vary by location, to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today or request an appointment.  

How should I prepare for my initial appointment?

Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

To bring on your first visit:

  • A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
  • Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
  • Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you.
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.

What can I expect from my first visit?
  • You will register with our friendly front office staff. They will help you navigate the insurance process and treatment program so you can focus on your recovery.
  • You will meet with our therapist for the initial evaluation.
  • During the evaluation, your therapist will ask questions about your medical history, and why you are presenting for care. Open communication helps us understand your problem.
  • Your movement, strength, coordination, and much more will be evaluated. Our purpose is to help you, so please ensure you communicate to your therapist if anything is hurting or bothering you during the examination.
  • Your therapist will recommend and prepare a course of treatments to ensure the best results. Your therapist will discuss the recommendations with you.
  • There will be some treatments performed the first day to get you started on your road to recovery. However, during the next visit you will get into the full swing of your treatment plan.
  • You will schedule your series of visits with the front desk. The amount of therapy needed will be discussed with you, depending on the recommendations of your therapist. We offer many convenient appointment times, however, prime times can become busy, so it is best to book ahead as much as possible.
  • Your therapist will write up their findings and treatment plan to submit to your referring physician or another medical professional who you choose.
  • If you have any questions at any time, please don’t hesitate to call. We want to ensure your satisfaction and full recovery.
How should I pay?

We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service.

Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.

Will my sessions be covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases it does. Choice Therapy will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy.

For more information, visit our insurance/payment page and please do not hesitate to contact our office. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.

I don’t have insurance – what do I do?

For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.

How many times will I need to come in before I feel better?

Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so together with your referring physician, your therapist will develop a plan of care that is right for you.

Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by our physical, occupational, and speech therapist.

How long will each of my sessions last?

Typically, the first session lasts for 60 minutes. Each session after that may be 40-50 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.

What should I wear to my sessions?

Dress comfortably with clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas.

For treatments, loose fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises and supportive sneakers are often good choices to wear.

Can I continue sessions even after I feel better?

Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program.