What should I expect on my first visit?

On your first visit, your physical therapist will perform a detailed evaluation to determine what specific problems you have that can be addressed in physical therapy. The evaluation involves a thorough history, objective testing and measuring, following which your physical therapist will determine the specific problems you present with.  Based on the evaluation, the therapist will develop a treatment program  aimed at resolving the identified problems, and will work with the patient to establish a set of goals for physical therapy. 

What types of treatment may I receive?

The treatment you receive in physical therapy will depend upon what the physical therapist finds in the evaluation. The goal of our treatment programs is to help patients achieve as much independence as possible. We emphasize movement, self-treatment, and therapeutic exercises to target the necessary structures in your body,  and to encourage long-term recovery.

How is my progress measured?

You will be formally re-evaluated periodically. In general, patients are re-evaluated approximately every 4 weeks. During a re-evaluation, your therapist will take new measurements, and compare them to the measurements taken on your first visit. A re-evaluation can be worked into a regular treatment session. Additionally, it is important to tell your therapist when you have follow-up visits scheduled with your physician so your therapist can send him or her documentation of your therapeutic progress.

How long will my visit last?

Treatment time will vary according to what the physical therapist finds in the evaluation. There is no specific time limit for physical therapy. Whatever is found to be appropriate during the evaluation will become part of the patient's program, and the program will be updated as the patient progresses. In general, physical therapy evaluations last around an hour and a half, while follow up visits typically take about an hour.

When is the best time to start physical therapy?

Generally speaking, physical therapy should start as early as possible. Starting physical therapy early on will reduce the overall treatment time by addressing the problem before it has a chance to get worse. If you are in pain or have a change in symptoms, your program will be altered according to your signs and symptoms. The procedures that make up your physical therapy will depend on your current clinical status, not just your diagnosis. The therapist will adjust your therapeutic procedures as your clinical status changes.

Will I need follow-up or maintenance care?

Our goal is to resolve your problem completely so that you don't require continual follow-up or maintenance care. There are some patients who do require follow-up care or re-assessment on a periodic basis, and your therapist can discuss this with you during treatment or discharge. It is important to continue performing your home exercise program after discharge to maintain your progress on your own.

What if I need to return to physical therapy?

If you were discharged recently and feel you need to return, you may need to schedule a progress evaluation depending on the length of time since your last visit. In some cases, particularly if it has been several months or more since your last treatment, you might need an updated referral from your physician and an in-depth evaluation in our office. If you wish to return for treatment, please call our office for guidance and we will inform you of anything we might need.

How will you communicate with my physician?

The physical therapist will communicate with your physician by written report. The report will outline the issues the therapist found during the evaluation, and the physical therapy procedures the therapist will use to help these issues. The physical therapist will continue to update your physician with written reports each time they re-evaluate you, and each time you have a doctor’s appointment scheduled. Your therapist may contact your doctor by phone to discuss any special concerns. Your doctor is also welcome to contact your therapist with any concerns they wish to discuss.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing to physical therapy. If you are coming for a problem involving your neck, upper back, or shoulders, you may wear a tank top, or the therapist can provide you with a gown as needed to expose these areas for treatment. If you are coming for a leg or low back problem, you may wear shorts or bring some to change into. We also provide shorts and t-shirts for patients to borrow if needed.

Will my insurance cover physical therapy?

Although most insurance plans cover physical therapy, each individual plan offers different coverage. Please review the insurance companies listed at the top of this page to determine if we participate with yours. When you schedule an evaluation with us, we will collect your insurance information so we can verify your coverage as a courtesy to you prior to your first visit. You can also contact the member services department of your insurance company to find out your benefits for outpatient physical therapy in an office setting.

How do I arrange an appointment?

If your physician gives you a referral for physical therapy, call our office and we will schedule you for your first visit. Our office staff will collect your information and find you a time for your first appointment. After your evaluation, you can schedule follow ups as needed. Our address and clinic hours are listed in the  "Contact Us" section of the website, along with detailed directions to our office. 

Is it ok to ask my doctor about physical therapy?

Absolutely. Let your doctor know that you would like to discuss whether physical therapy would be an appropriate treatment option for your condition. You can also call our office and one of our physical therapists will be happy to speak with you about the role of physical therapy in treating your condition. In some cases, you may need a referral from your physician for insurance purposes, therefore it is important to discuss your condition with your physician even if you speak with one of our therapists.

What if I have an increase in symptoms?

If you experience an increase in symptoms following a treatment session, please call the office and inform us so we can put you in touch with your therapist. If your therapist can not speak with you right away, they will call you back that same day, whenever possible, to advise you on the best course of action.

What should I bring with me?

For your first visit, you will need your insurance card (s), photo ID, prescription/referral, and appropriate clothing (see What should I wear?). If you have any operative reports, MRI or X-ray results, you may bring them as well, but they are not required. Additionally, please bring any type of brace, splint, crutches, or other assistive devices you may be using to manage your condition.

Why should I choose physical therapy?

The goal of physical therapy is to provide a long-term solution to your condition, and to help you regain as much independence as possible. Although medication and other forms of treatment can be helpful in relieving symptoms, physical therapy addresses the immediate requirements of your condition in addition to providing you with the exercises and lessons in posture and performing daily activities in a way that will help to prevent your injury from coming back. In some cases, your physician may opt to use medication with physical therapy to relieve your symptoms. Additionally, physical therapy, unlike some other forms of treatment, is not intended to be continued long-term as a maintenance program. We seek to find solutions to your condition that will help you manage it independently following discharge.

What office policies should I be aware of?

We ask that our patients:

• Give 24 hours notice when possible for cancellations. If no one is available to answer your phone call, please leave us a message.

• Call if you have a question or a concern, or if you will be late for your appointment. We will do our best to fit you in, but we need to know in as soon as possible out of consideration for our other patients.

• Please be on time. All patients are taken within 5 minutes of their scheduled time.

• Notify your physical therapist at least one week prior to returning to your physician. The therapist will prepare a report to send to your physician prior to your visit to update them on your progress.

• Schedule appointments in advance whenever possible to get your ideal times, and maintain the treatment frequency recommended by your therapist. Appointment spots can fill up quickly, so it is best to schedule as early as possible.

Who chooses which physical therapist I go to?

Oftentimes, your physician will give you a recommendation or a listing of physical therapists in your area. Sometimes your insurance company will guide you with regard to who is "in network" for your insurance plan. Ultimately, the decision on where you receive your care is up to you. If you have a specific request to be seen at KPT, let your doctor know. If we are not in network for your insurance company, don't worry. Some plans have out-of-network benefits which will allow you to be treated in an out-of-network office. Prior to your visit, we will verify your out-of-network benefits, if applicable, and inform you of how they compare to your in-network benefits.

What is my responsibility in physical therapy?

You are our partner in your recovery. Your physical therapist cannot do it without you! We ask that you cooperate by completing your home exercise program and abiding by any other instructions given by your physician or physical therapist. We want you to feel better as quickly as possible!

Why choose Kassimir Physical Therapy?

We are widely regarded by local physicians as leading physical therapy experts due to our years of proven expertise. Physicians regularly send their own office staff and family members to our facility because they trust that we will provide them with the utmost care. We are dedicated to resolving your problems in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Patients receive personalized attention and care. If you wish to find out more about us, feel free to give us a call, explore our website, or stop in for a tour of our facility.