FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a personalized approach to reducing pain, improving movement, and helping you get back to the activities that matter to you. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate how your body moves and identify limitations that may be contributing to pain, weakness, or difficulty with everyday activities.

 

At Athletic Advantage Physical Therapy, treatment starts with understanding you, not just your symptoms. Your physical therapist will assess your movement, discuss your goals, and develop a treatment plan based on what they find.

 

Depending on your needs, treatment may include hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, strength and mobility work, and other therapeutic methods. The goal is not only to help you feel and move better, but also to build the strength, mobility, and confidence needed to support lasting progress and reduce the risk of future problems.

 

How do I know if physical therapy will help me?

If you're not sure whether physical therapy is right for you, give us a call. We can talk through what's bothering you and help you figure out the best next step.

 

How do I schedule an appointment?

Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Please have your insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage. Call us today to request an appointment or fill out our appointment request form

What should I bring to my first appointment?

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• Fill out the patient intake forms that will be emailed to you once your appointment is confirmed. Please be sure to include your insurance card and ID (we require a copy for our records). If you are unable to do so, we can provide an electronic tablet upon arrival as well.

• A prescription for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA. You can also have your doctor fax your prescription to us at (800) 213-4413.

• Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining forms, so you can maximize the time in your evaluation.

• Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas. If you are coming in for a knee or hip injury, please wear shorts. If you have back pain and are a female, please wear a sports bra under your shirt. We have a large selection of clothing at the clinic if you do not have access to these items. For aquatic therapy, we ask that you do not wear cotton.

 

Does physical therapy hurt?

Physical 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.

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What do I wear?

 

Dress comfortably in clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas. If you are coming in for a knee or hip injury, please wear shorts. If you have back pain and are a female, please wear a sports bra under your shirt. We have a large selection of clothing at the clinic if you do not have access to these items. For aquatic therapy, we ask that you do not wear cotton. Generally, loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises and supportive sneakers are often good choices to wear.

 

How long will my therapy sessions last?

 

Typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes. Each session after that may be 45-60 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.

 

How many sessions will I have?

 

Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so 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 your physical therapist.