What is Physical Therapy, or “PT?”
Physical therapy helps you maintain mobility and quality of life. Physical therapists can get you moving again! Using scientifically based treatment techniques that focus on restoring function, reducing pain, and correcting or preventing injury, this branch of therapy could help you stay active and independent!
Can I receive outpatient physical therapy services without a physician’s referral?
Most likely, but it’s always best to find out if you qualify before you start, to avoid any out-of-pocket surprises. If you suspect your insurance provider will require prior authorization, let us check your coverage! If your particular problem requires treatment that is outside the realm of therapy, we can also help you find a qualified physician or other trained medical professionals who may be able to help.
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What should I expect on my first visit?
Our staff can help you complete the required paperwork on your first visit. We can call and check on all of your insurance benefits for you, and provide that information in writing. We understand that dealing with insurance companies can often be confusing and intimidating, so we will happily help you understand how outpatient physical therapy is covered under your insurance plan. You will be seen by a licensed physical therapist who will discuss the following:
- Your medical history
- Your current condition, problems, and complaints
- How your condition is affecting your normal activities
- What your specific goals are for physical therapy
Your physical therapist will then perform a thorough physical examination designed for your specific problem. This may include:
- Range of motion testing
- Strength testing
- Neurological screening
- Special tests to accurately diagnose your condition
- Perform gait, balance, and posture analysis
- Palpation (feeling the condition of muscles, joints, and bones)
Your physical therapist will then develop a specific plan based on your unique condition. This plan will have your specific goals in mind and will address your concerns as thoroughly as possible.
How long will each treatment last?
Therapy sessions typically are 45-60 minutes.
What types of treatments will I receive?
Our therapists are trained to provide effective treatments including:
- Manual therapy and hands-on care to restore joint movement, relax muscle tension, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Prescribed corrective exercises to address strength and range of motion deficits to improve functional movement patterns and mobility.
- Prescribed corrective activities to improve balance reactions, reduce fall risk, and make you more independent and safer during all your daily activities.
Can I choose where I receive physical therapy?
Definitely! You have every right to choose your clinic and your physical therapist (within your insurance network). This includes receiving it on-site at most Edgewood Healthcare communities!
Why should I choose a private practice physical therapist?
There has been a significant amount of research done on this topic over the years, and numerous research studies support that patients seen by private practice physical therapists:
- Are more satisfied with their care
- Received fewer overall visits (studies showed 39%-45% fewer visits)
- Had significantly lower costs for their care (studies showed 30%-40% less)
What kind of education will my physical therapist have?
Almost all physical therapists now have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is more than dressing, showering, and toileting care. It entails working with patients to help them achieve a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of therapeutic activities designed to promote health, prevent injury or disability, and improve, sustain, and restore the highest possible level of independence. Here are some of the signs occupational therapy can benefit the residents of Edgewood and the 55 + communities:
Endurance
- Difficulty standing at the sink to complete grooming tasks (shaving, brushing teeth, etc.)
- Difficulty getting to meals without excessive seated rest breaks
- Difficulty completing morning routine (dressing, toileting, etc.) without a rest break
- Taking a longer time to complete tasks for self or having difficulty standing for some time
Balance
- Difficulty accessing items in their home (kitchen, refrigerator, closet, bathroom cupboards)
- Difficulty picking clothes out of the closet or putting away laundry
- Increased time with functional transfers (toilet, shower, bed, recliner)
- Bumping into furniture, walls, or doorways while walking
Cognition
- Remembering daily schedules (times of meals, favorite activities)
- Difficulty sequencing familiar tasks (putting paste on the brush before cleaning teeth)
- Difficulty locating familiar items around the home environment (sock drawer)
Coordination
- Dropping items (eating utensils, brush, newspaper)
- Difficulty opening containers (medications, a bottle of water, Ensure®)
- Difficulty multitasking (holding a cup of water in one hand while the other hand places pills in mouth)
Home Safety
- Narrow walkways in home
- Clutter
- Throw rugs or visible cords
- Poor placement of furniture
What is Speech Therapy?
Adult speech therapy services are often misunderstood and underutilized. As a result, many adults who need the treatment are underserved. Would you know the signs if you or a loved one needed treatment? Get in the know and spread the word about adult speech pathology services offered through CaringEdge!
Signs of a cognitive deficit
- Difficulty keeping track of medications, paying bills/balancing checkbook, following recipes, or completing other daily life tasks
- Increased forgetfulness
- Getting lost going to familiar places
Signs of speech/language deficits
- Difficulty expressing wants and needs clearly
- Increased frustration when trying to communicate
- Difficulty with word-finding
- Increasing slurred speech, others often having difficulty understanding your speech
Signs of swallowing impairment
- Difficulty swallowing food, pills, or drinks
- Frequent coughing/choking during meals
- Feelings of food/medications getting stuck
- Difficulty pushing food to the back of the mouth to swallow it
Signs of a voice disorder
- Change in vocal quality (e.g., hoarse, rough, weak, etc.)
- Difficulty speaking loudly enough for others to hear you
If you’ve seen enough of this great information and you’d like to find out if you’re a candidate for outpatient therapy, reach out to us at info@caringedge.com.
