By definition, physical therapy is the treatment of pain, disease, or injury by physical means. It is a form of rehabilitation that involves the assessment and treatment of various physical ailments. There are many different areas that a physical therapist can be involved in such as orthopedics, pediatrics, neurology, wound care, cardiac and geriatrics. On your first visit the therapist will perform an initial evaluation and develop a treatment plan that will meet your specific needs. You can expect to heal faster as the underlying cause of your problem is addressed. Your physical therapist is there to educate you and to achieve the following goals:
- Live without pain
- Maintain independence
- Stay and/or become physically fit
- Participate in a successful wellness program
Physical therapy helps control back pain in the acute healing phase by using passive modalities, gentle active movement techniques, and correction of improper posture and body mechanics, as instructed by your therapist. Manual therapy may also be included in your treatment. Once a patient has moved past the acute phase physical therapy treatment shifts towards increasing functional strength and endurance to return to full function. Education on the underlying causes of back pain and how to prevent recurrence is highly important to treating back pain, as well. Your physical therapist will design and continually progress your home exercise program to achieve and maintain success.
Of course! Physical Therapy can help reduce swelling, increase active and passive range of motion and increase strength and endurance after orthopedic surgery. Most importantly, attending physical therapy increases the functioning of the involved muscles, bones and other soft tissues much more quickly and effectively than just “staying at home” after surgery.
In the state of Louisiana, a referral from a physician is not required to receive a physical therapy evaluation or treatment. Direct Access allows you to come to physical therapy for 30 days without a prescription from your physician, dentist, podiatrist, or chiropractor, unless there is measurable or functional improvement. It is best to check with your insurance or call your therapist’s office to determine the need for a prescription.
During an initial examination the therapist will determine the problem area and develop an effective treatment plan. The patient will be asked various questions regarding how the injury took place and what types of symptoms are present. Objective measures such as range of motion, strength, and special testing are obtained to help establish the underlying cause of your problem. From there the therapist will outline the best treatment options for your conditions.
Physical therapy can help anyone who is suffering from a musculoskeletal or sport injury, pre and post surgery recovery, difficulties such as a balance/walking problem, or neurological problems such as stroke or acquired a brain injury, and metabolic syndromes such as diabetes. Even people recovering from non-orthopedic surgeries (internal problems, cancer) can benefit from PT by regaining strength and endurance. The realm of physical therapy encompasses the body as a whole and its functions. To learn how PT can specifically help your condition, give us a call at any of our locations.
We recommend that you wear something that is comfortable such as clothes that you would wear to the park or gym. You could be doing a wide variety of movements and you need to be dressed in something that will not prohibit you from doing so.
The duration of your session may vary. We create individualized programs for each of our patients. Typically, therapy sessions last around 1 hour. However, depending on the complexity of the issue, your session can range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
We are able to treat any of your physical therapy needs. Whether you were injured in an automobile accident, a sports injury, have arthritis, or prolonged back discomfort, our physical therapists can aid you in the recovery process for all of your needs.
Insurance Card / Co-pay
List of all your medications
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If you have a copy of the prescription, we do ask that you bring it. If not, then we will contact the physician to get that from them.
We accept all major credit cards, cash, and checks. We will also work out payment plans if necessary specific to your needs.