FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Physical Therapist?
The Physical Therapist is the leader of the team; a professional who has at
least a 4 year bachelor's degree from a university physical therapy program. The
therapist must also be licensed to practice in the State of Michigan. All of our
therapists attend continuing education courses on a regular basis to keep up
with advancements in technology.
When will I be seen?
Your initial evaluation with the physical therapist will be scheduled within
24 hours, often times the same day. After your initial evaluation we will
schedule the rest of your appointments.
How often do I need to be seen?
The frequency and duration of your therapy is initially determined by your
physician via a written prescription. However, the average patient is seen three
times per week for approximately two or three months. Your therapy may be more
or less depending upon your diagnosis and your response to treatment. It is
important to keep all of your appointments. The success of your therapy depends
upon attending all of your treatment sessions.
How long will my appointments be?
The average appointment is one hour long. Of course, depending upon your
diagnosis and response to treatment, your sessions may be longer or shorter. If
you are in aquatic therapy you can plan on being here for 1-2 hours, taking into
account time for changing and any land treatment you may receive.
What will my appointments consist of?
The therapist will design a plan for you. The first few visits of therapy,
you may receive modalities such as a hot pack or ultrasound. You may also
receive manual therapy such as stretching and massage. These modalities are to
help alleviate your pain and allow you to work on strengthening your muscles
with land or aquatic exercises. Gradually, as you become stronger, you will find
that there is no need for the modalities, and your ability to exercise will have
increased. Before the eighth visit, if you have not met your goals and your
therapist feels, based on the findings in your re-evaluation, that you could
benefit from continued therapy, your therapist will ask your physician for
another prescription. Your therapy will then continue until you meet your goals
or have reached full benefit. You will then be discharged with a home exercise
program and a report will be sent to your treating physician
