1. What is Physical Therapy and Why are People Referred to It?

Physical Therapy is a health care specialty involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal    system. The ultimate goals of physical therapy are to improve movement, relieve pain, and restore functional performance. Physical  modalities such as exercise, heat, cold, electricity, and massage are utilized to achieve these goals. You and others may be referred to physical therapy because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain, or you may be recovering from surgery.

2. What should I expect during my first visit?

   During your first visit you should expect the following:
    -You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy
    -We will copy your insurance card and drivers’ license
    -You will fill out the needed paperwork
    You will then be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
   The therapist will discuss the following:
    -Your medical history which includes medications, tests, and procedures
    -Your current problems/complaints
    -Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem
    -How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations
    -Your goals with physical therapy
   The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
    1. Palpation- touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft         tissue integrity, etc.
    2. Range of Motion (ROM)- the therapist will move the joints to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions
    3. Muscle Testing- the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. 
        The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. You will then be given         treatments (see next question) and an at home exercise program.

3. What Types of Treatments Will I Receive?

   Active Range of Motion (AROM)- Involves lifting or moving a body part through a range of motion against gravity.

   Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM)- Therapist-assisted active range of motion. This is usually performed for gentle    stretching or strengthening of a very weak body part.

   Passive Range of Motion (PROM)-The therapist moves the body part through a range of motion without the use of muscles that    “actively” move the joint. 

   Isometrics- Muscle contraction without joint movement. This is usually prescribed for strengthening without stressing or damaging    the joint

   Isotonics- Muscles contracting through the ROM with resistance. This is usually prescribed for strengthening

   Soft Tissue Mobilization- Therapeutic massage of body tissue performed with the hands. Soft tissue mobilization may be used    for muscle relaxation, to decrease swelling, to decrease scar tissue adhesions, and for pain relief. 

   Neck Traction- A gentle longitudinal/axial pull on the neck, either manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous for relief of    neck pain, to decrease muscle spasm and facilitate unloading of the spine

   Ultrasound- This uses a high frequency sound wave emitted from the sound head when electricity is passed through a quartz    crystal. The sound waves cause the vibration of water molecules deep within tissue casing a heating effect. The stream of sound    waves increases blood flow which then helps with nutrition exchange at the cellular level. The deep heat helps relieve pain,    inflammation, reduces muscle spasms, and accelerates healing.

   Electrical Stimulation-

4. Do I Need a Referral?           

5. What Do I Need to Bring With Me My First Visit?

 You will need to bring your physical therapy referral (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance  is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card, or if workers’ compensation is paying, bring your claim number and your case manager’s contact. You will also need to bring your drivers’ license.

6. How should I dress?

 You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a  knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. A tank top is appropriate for a shoulder problem. Gym Shoes are also a good idea.

7. Do I Need to Bring My X-ray or MRI Films?

  Although it is not required, if you have them it would be very beneficial to bring them in. This will help the physical therapist to provide you with the best possible care.

8. Is Physical Therapy Painful?

 For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques,    modalities, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercise not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance. In some cases, physical   therapy techniques can be painful, for example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or a shoulder range of motion. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

9. How Long is Each Visit?

Each visit will be approximately 60 minutes, depending on your program and treatments. Allow extra time for your first visit which is your evaluation.

10. Can I Go to Any Physical Therapy Clinic?

Your physician may refer you to a specific physical therapy clinic, but as a patient you have the right to choose where you want to   attend therapy. Each physical therapist has their own philosophy and approach to patient care, which is influence by their     education, experience and clinical environment. You should feel comfortable at the clinic and confident that you will receive the best care.

11. Why should I choose Frankfort/Manteno Physical Therapy over other clinics?

  Frankfort and Manteno Physical Therapy are physical therapist owned and owner operated outpatient clinics. Our treatment  mission is to provide physical therapy service with a 1:1 (therapist:patient) evaluation and treatment model. Our patients are  followed by one physical therapist, allowing us to focus our attention on each patient. This patient focus care improves out outcomes, speeds recovery, and reduces sessions required to return to function. Our outpatient clinics offer appointments in less than 24 hours and we have late evening and Saturday appointments available!