What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a specialized segment of health care that provides evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of a wide variety of physical movement and functional problems. In some cases it can also serve to prevent injury, falls, or re-injury.

What is a physical therapist?

Physical therapists are licensed health care providers that are highly skilled in the examination and treatment of the skeletal, soft tissue and neurological conditions causing pain and dysfunction. The goals of physical rehabilitation are to restore or achieve optimal physical performance in both sport and the functional tasks necessary in daily living.

What are the main objectives of physical therapy?

• Promote and support the healing process
• Improve or maintain a functional body
• Prevent secondary complications from an injury or disability
• Restore function, strength, mobility, and a return to a healthy lifestyle
• Rehabilitate each patient to wellness

What is the process I will go through in physical therapy?

All patients generally go through the following steps at SOMA Physical Therapy:

• Evaluation by licensed physical therapist
• Treatment Planning
• Rehabilitation
• Wellness Program

What can I expect from my evaluation?

Your physical therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation on your first visit. This will include a detailed history of your condition, pain, strength and mobility measurements, and specific tests to identify those structures that need to be addressed with treatment. You and your therapist will discuss goals for treatment and set a treatment plan.

What is a treatment plan?

Following your examination, the physical therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your particular condition. The therapist will review your goals with you and answer questions that may arise around what to expect. This treatment plan will be documented as a thorough dictated note placed in your chart and also sent to your referring physician. The plan becomes a road map to recovery.

What is a rehabilitation program?

An integral part of your recovery process is your home exercise program. The physical therapist will design and instruct you in an exercise program for home that will help achieve the goals of therapy. This may include stretching, strengthening, movement retraining, and modifications of daily activities. You may be enrolled in a program that teaches you the fundamentals of yoga, Pilates, and/or fitness. Adherence to your program will greatly enhance your response to therapy, and is critical for long-term success and wellness.

How does collaboration with my physical therapist affect results?

A collaborative process between you and your therapist is critical to the success of your physical therapy treatment. Be sure to discuss your goals and expectations with your physical therapist and feel free to ask questions you may have. Most importantly is setting attainable goals for therapy so that we can assist you in returning to the activities you enjoy.

Your physical therapist will be helpful in assisting you utilize a communication platform called Tx Xchange (pronounced Treatment Exchange) so you can communicate with your therapist between office visits, see photos/videos of your prescribed exercises and get your questions answered quickly. Adhering to this process and to your treatment will bring the best results to you.

How can physical therapy help me?

A physical therapist will evaluate your condition and identify the source of your discomfort or dysfunction. Once evaluated, the therapist develops a treatment plan that typically involves some form of manual therapy and exercise, as well as modalities to accelerate your healing process. You will also receive instruction in a home exercise program and education on proper body mechanics and posture to prevent re-injury and maintain wellness.

What will happen during my first visit?

Please plan on arriving 15 minutes before the start of your appointment to complete paper work which will include information about your condition/injury, current function and pain scale and insurance information. Bring along your prescription for physical therapy, your insurance card (if applicable) and wear comfortable clothing.

At your first appointment, you will be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist who will identify how your rehabilitation should be designed for best results. For future visits, we ask that you schedule appointments at least two weeks ahead of time and please let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment.

Does insurance cover physical therapy?

Medical insurance generally covers physical therapy treatment, but insurance plans vary. We would be pleased to provide you with a quotation of benefits from your insurance company at your first appointment. SOMA accepts most major medical insurance and Medicare.