Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can physical
therapists help me accomplish?
A: Physical therapists can help you
improve your mobility and quality of life without the expense of
surgery or side effects of pain medication. Physical therapists are
also the health care professionals of choice for rehabilitation for
orthopedic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary and many other conditions
and injuries.
Q:
What should I bring to my first visit?
A:
Please arrive 15 minutes early to your first visit to fill out
any necessary paperwork and change into appropriate clothing.
Remember to bring your referral/ prescription for physical
therapy, your insurance card or Worker’s Comp/ No-Fault
information, a photo ID, and some comfortable and loose clothing
that will allow you to easily expose the area being treated, as
well as perform exercises. Sneakers or tennis shoes are
suggested.
Q:
How long will my treatment sessions last?
A:
For your initial appointment, plan on being at Oakdale Physical
Therapy & Fitness for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Subsequent treatment
sessions generally last around 45 minutes.
Q: Are physical therapists doctors?
A: More and more physical therapists are
graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. More than
92 percent of the more than 200 accredited academic institutions
nationwide offering professional physical therapist education
programs now offer the DPT degree - and more than 75 percent of all
2008 PT graduates hold a DPT degree. All three (3) of our
physical therapist have
their Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Q:
My physician is referring me for physical therapy. Can I choose
where to go?
A:
Yes. Your physician will provide you with a prescription and may
direct you where to go for physical therapy. However, you have
the right to choose a physical therapy clinic that is most
convenient for you based on proximity to home or work, ease of
transportation, a physical therapist’s experience in working
with your specific condition, or any other reason. Be assured we
will always work closely with your physician in order to provide
you with the highest quality of physical therapy care.
Q:
What will happen at my physical therapy treatment sessions?
A:
At your initial appointment, one of our fully licensed physical
therapists will work with you one-on-one to evaluate your
specific condition and set your individual goals based on your
needs and your physician’s recommendations. At subsequent visits
to Oakdale Physical Therapy & Fitness, your therapist may work
with you to improve your function, range of motion, strength,
and flexibility using weights and resistance equipment, as well
as incorporating different balance and coordination training
activities. In addition to physical exercises, your therapist
may use any of our various treatment modalities available. These
modalities include: manual therapy, neuromuscular electrical
stimulation, ultrasound, phonophoresis, iontophoresis,
cryotherapy, moist heat, low level laser therapy, traction, and
paraffin wax treatment, among others.
Q: Can a physical therapist help to alleviate
pain?
A: Yes, in many cases, a personal,
comprehensive treatment plan by a physical therapist can help you
reduce and/or eliminate pain.
Q: Can a physical therapist help me avoid
surgery?
A: Yes, many conditions can be
successfully treated without expensive and painful surgery. Talk to
your physical therapist to see what options are available to you.
Surgery does not have to be your only course of action.
Feel free to email us with any questions @: Office@OakdalePTF.com
