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What is physical therapy?

It has been said physical therapy is an art based on science and in application, this is very true. Since no two conditions are exactly alike, the art of understanding each patient comes into focus as it relates to applying the science of helping someone feel and function better. Our profession utilizes exercise and hands-on techniques or what is called manual therapy in uniquely specific ways to address deficits in movement, weakness, coordination, balance, and endurance to help someone overcome a physical problem.

Physical therapy is commonly involved in helping people with orthopedic problems related to the shoulder, lower back, foot/ankle, knee, neck, or hip. We also treat neurological patients experiencing issues from strokes, spinal cord injuries, as well as specific diseases like Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s.

The common element in all of these examples is assisting people to recover the ability to move functionally without pain and reach their potential. All in all, physical therapy is a valuable profession for a society that needs to stay healthy and active in order to be productive and fulfilled.

What do physical therapists do?

A physical therapist’s main tool is their ability to observe and assess the individual in order to understand the full scope of their deficits. From this, a plan can be created to address the pain along with the cause of the problem so as to return them back to their previous level of ability and comfort. The key to this process is helping change a patient’s movement habits that promote stress and pain in the musculoskeletal system.

In addition, physical therapists focus on helping their patients have a better understanding of their condition and how to use that information to avoid future problems. Prevention is a growing subspecialty in physical therapy and is utilized in industry, sports, and even office environments to help people avoid injuries. How does physical therapy help people?

A physical therapist uses many tools to assist in the healing process, and each patient’s treatment and needs are unique. Physical therapists use techniques like tissue mobilization, stretching, and exercises to address deficits related to motion, weakness, pain, balance, or endurance. To increase blood flow and promote healing, modalities like heat and ultrasound are used. Iontophoresis, ice, and ultrasound can help reduce inflammation. Spasms and pain can be helped with a variety of devices that use electrical currents. Modalities form just a small piece of what physical therapists have to offer a patient, and in the end, are passive in nature and only a temporary component of a well-designed therapeutic program.

Eventually, passive modalities as mentioned above, or even massage, medication, adjustments, or rest will eventually plateau in their effectiveness to restore function. A person needs to have an active program of specific exercises and a good understanding of their purpose in order to develop more independence in self-care. Physical therapy is the primary healthcare profession that addresses the body from a comprehensive musculoskeletal viewpoint and strives to help people be more independent in their own orthopedic needs. Patients who understand their active role in the recovery process will, in the long run, derive more satisfaction and benefits from learning how to be more physically self-sufficient.

In the final analysis, one of the greatest benefits of physical therapy is to help people create or renew a relationship with their own bodies. Physical therapy creates that connection through exercise and training which allows a patient to feel and understand their body better. The more you understand the needs and priorities of your body, the more enjoyment, and longevity the body will provide! The gift of health is no small achievement, and typically it is something that is earned versus given. The cost is time and effort, but the result is worth it! There is an old saying “The body is built right, but we just use it wrong.” Physical therapy is the link to learning how to use it right, and Full Potential would love to assist you in that process!

How do I know if I need physical therapy?

There are many reasons you may need physical therapy! Perhaps the most basic reason is that you have recently had a sprain, strain, or injury. However, there are a number of reasons you may benefit from PT:

  • If you have ongoing pain that is extending beyond the usual time frame for healing
  • Your pain is better from an injury, but you have ongoing functional or performance deficits.
  • If you have a musculoskeletal condition that is getting worse.
  • You have pain that starts when you try to get more active or push yourself more.
  • You had surgery and feel you are not improving in your mobility, strength, gait, or lifestyle as expected.
  • If surgery was recommended as a possibility, but you have not tried PT first.

There is a concept we teach our patients when they are ready for discharge that allows them to test themselves to see if they are losing their “gains.” This gives them an early insight to push their exercises more and get back to baseline. Yet anyone can follow this proactive approach to understand their body better and know if they should seek a PT’s help. Each screen is set up as a series of tests, the more tests that are positive in that category, the more PT should be considered.

  • Cervical Screen (Neck)
  • Is your rotation markedly different from left compared to right?
  • Is their pain at the end range of motion?
  • Do you have to compensate strongly by twisting your trunk to see to your left/right when driving?
  • If you look up, does it cause sharp pain in your neck or increased tingling in your arms?
  • Do you have ongoing headaches?
  • Does your neck prevent you from sleeping well?
  • Shoulder Screen
  • Are you able to sleep comfortably on your shoulders?
  • Can you reach up your back with minimal pain and fairly equal motion?
  • If you move your arm quickly, do you get a sharp jolt of pain in your shoulder?
  • Can you reach across your body without pain or catching?
  • If you lay on the floor and reach overhead with both arms, are they close in motion? Can you get close to the floor without arching your back?
  • Lower Back Screen
  • When standing and bending backward, can you extend your lower back in good way without pain?
  • When standing with hands by your sides, slide your hand down the side of your leg. Do you move left and right equally, or is one markedly different in pain or motion in your lower back?
  • When lying on your back with knees up, can you twist your knees to the right and left with the same degree of motion and comfort in your lower back?
  • When standing, can you bend forward with your knees straight and return to vertical without discomfort?
  • When sitting for prolonged periods (2-3 hours), do you develop numbness or leg symptoms?
  • Is it hard to go from sitting to standing and walking without some slow adjustment or pain in the back and hips?
  • Hip Screen
  • Can you lie on your back and pull your bent knee across your body without pinching in the groin?
  • Can you walk with the same stride left and right?
  • Does it feel like when you walk that your upper body moves a lot to one side like one leg feels short?
  • When walking, does your hip catch and cause you sharp pain?
  • Knee Screen
  • Can you stand and push your knee back full straight without pain?
  • Do your knees bend about the same amount when lying on your back and flexing them as you pull your heel towards your buttock? Is the quality of the end range the same or does one feel hard and painful?
  • Does your knee ever give out unpredictably?
  • Do you get pain with going up or down stairs in your knee or thigh muscle?
  • Ankle Screen
  • When you walk (especially uphill), do you get pain in the front of the ankle?
  • Can you stand on one foot and be in control of your balance?
  • Does your ankle ever give out or “turn” unpredictably?
  • Do you feel unconfident walking on uneven terrain like lawns or trails with your balance or ankle control?

These are simple questions and tests, but they can give you some insights into whether you are subtly losing motion or control. If the results of these tests continue to get worse or if you feel the results are quite limited now, consider seeing a PT even if your pain is not a big issue. By addressing musculoskeletal problems early in the imbalance phase, the problem is much easier to solve, and you also avoid the additional micro-trauma to joints and tissues by being proactive in your musculoskeletal health. As you get older and aging sets in, you will be glad you did not wait for the pain to be the only motivator to get help!

How do I know if physical therapy will help me?

Each patient is unique, and there are many options to consider when thinking about when you are looking at receiving treatment. To know if physical therapy is the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a free consultation!

What is a free consultation?

If you are unsure if PT is the right fit for your needs, we offer a free consultation with a physical therapist. This is a 25-45 minute appointment where you can freely discuss your medical concerns, and they can evaluate if PT will be beneficial for your goals. There is no treatment involved.

Does physical therapy hurt?

Physical therapy is meant to relieve pain, not to hurt! However, as you restore your mobility, pain levels can fluctuate at times. You may experience some temporary soreness after appointments, but this is a normal response to using muscles that are weakened or in recovery. If you communicate well with your therapist, they will be sure to adjust the treatment to fit your tolerance. We want you on your way to quick pain relief so you can get back to normal activities!

Are your physical therapists trained to treat my condition?

Physical therapists have years of university-level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state-licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a master’s or doctorate-level degree.

Many of our physical therapists have additional training or certifications in specific treatment methods or diagnoses. If you have a specific condition that requires specialized treatment, please inform us when you schedule your first visit.

What do your physical therapists specialize in?

Currently, we have physical therapists who have specialized experience and education in the following areas :

  • TMJ/Jaw Pain
  • The McKenzie Method
  • Vertigo
  • Myofascial Release
  • Endurance Athlete Training
  • Breathing and stress management

If you have a need for specialized care, please inform us when we schedule your first appointment.

Does my doctor decide where I get physical therapy?

The short answer is “no”! You have a choice in where you go for physical therapy. There are no laws or regulations that control where someone receives PT, except if they are using worker’s compensation insurance. A potential physical therapy provider should be chosen by looking for a history of getting good results. Perhaps the best approach is to talk to family and friends and become informed about where people have had success. There are many places to receive physical therapy- from hospital-based facilities to large corporate facilities, to independent private practices like Full Potential!

Does insurance cover my physical therapy?

Most insurance has PT benefits. If possible, we will collect your insurance information over the phone when we schedule your first appointment. We will then verify your insurance information and the details of your policy in terms of your coverage, deductible, co-pay, or co-insurance responsibility. This quote of benefits will be explained on your first visit so you will know how much cost share to expect per visit. For more information, visit our Insurance Info page, or contact our office with any questions or concerns. We offer different payment options for your convenience.

What if I don’t have insurance?

We offer private pay programs for patients that do not have insurance coverage. This fee is due at the time of service. Please call our office for additional details regarding our private pay program.

What is Direct Access?

As of 2015, people in Michigan can access the services of a physical therapist directly without a referral from their physician. This is “Direct Access.” The current law allows for a patient to receive 10 visits over a 21-day period. From this point, if the patient has not progressed enough to continue on their own, then they would need to have a consultation with their physician (MD, DO, podiatrist, or dentist) to continue. This represents a significant shift in how patients can access physical therapy, but unfortunately, only Priority Health insurance has agreed to pay for services without a physician’s order.

All other insurances still require a referral for the provider to receive payment. If you are willing to pay personally for your PT services, then you can access our help without the reimbursement problem. If you are a Medicare patient, this law does not change the need for a physician to sign your plan of care. As a result, it is better to start the referral process with you visiting your doctor first. Over time it is our hope a potential patient can access our services quickly and as needed with their insurance company’s support. You can help change this limitation by asking your HR department at work to request their insurance company to pay for PT services under the provisions of the direct access law or write your insurance company directly and voice your desire for them to acknowledge direct access.

What payments do you accept?

We accept cash, check, debit or credit cards. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service for your cost-share. It is important to remember that your cost-share is an agreement between you and your insurance company, and that we are obligated to collect your portion.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Our scheduling is easy! You can call our office and schedule (our phone number is 616-392-2172), schedule on our website using the “request an appointment” button, or chat with an assistant and schedule online.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

At your first appointment, you can expect to be greeted by our front desk, fill out any paperwork that hasn’t been completed ahead of time, and be taken to a treatment room to meet with your therapist privately. Your therapist will do a thorough interview to obtain an understanding of your unique situation and what you want to accomplish. They will also evaluate your injured area and all related areas to determine the scope of your problem. Lastly, they will discuss their findings and what will be needed to overcome your limitations.

Should I bring anything to my first appointment?

If we do not already have it, please bring your prescription from your doctor, your insurance card, and photo identification to your first visit. If you are coming in via auto accident or worker’s compensation, we also ask you to bring any insurance adjuster or case manager contact names, phone numbers, and claim numbers.

What should I wear to my sessions?

Dress comfortably in clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas. Loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercise and supportive sneakers are often good choices! If needed, we always have shorts and gowns that you may borrow.

How long will each of my sessions last?

Typically, a first session lasts around 45 minutes. Each session afterward is also around 45 minutes. Occasionally, we will make reservations for a 60-minute session but will be sure to communicate that information ahead of time.

How many appointments will I need?

Every case is different, but we generally start with reserving 2 appointments a week for 6 weeks. After you see your therapist a few times, they will have a better idea of your specific needs and will adjust your schedule as necessary.

Do I continue sessions even after I feel better?

Yes! We will celebrate with you as your pain lessens, but this doesn’t always mean that there is no more work to do. If you communicate with your physical therapist, they will work with you to determine your needs for ongoing treatment. It’s important that we finalize your plan of care and home exercise program with you- this will ensure you are maximizing your investment in physical therapy, and help you maintain your gains.

What will Full Potential expect from me?

Your therapist’s job becomes much easier and your progress will be much smoother if you arrive on time and you attend your appointments consistently. In addition, doing your home exercise program as requested will ensure better progress. Your therapist needs you to make therapy one of your priorities for at least four weeks (depending on the severity of your problem) so you make adequate progress. In this way, you can obtain the results you want.