What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first visit you can expect the following:

• Complete Intake Paperwork. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your first appointment to complete in our office, or complete and submit the Online Paperwork beforehand.

• You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy (If you have one).

• We will copy your insurance card and license.

• You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the physical therapist.

• The physical therapist will discuss the following:

  1. Your medical history.

  2. Your current problems/complaints.

  3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the symptoms.

  4. How symptoms are impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.

  5. Your physical therapy goals.

  6. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.

  7. The therapist will perform the objective evaluation.

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The physical therapist will formulate a plan, with the patient's input, to treat the problems. This includes how many times per week/duration you should see the physical therapist,  home exercise programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your physical therapist, and your doctor.

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How should I dress?

You should wear sneakers and comfortable, loosely fitted clothing so you can easily expose the area that will be evaluated and treated.

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How long will each treatment last?

Appointments typically last 45 to 60 minutes.

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Why is physical therapy a good choice?

Physical therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

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Is physical therapy painful?

For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief, but to also 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 shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist.

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What happens if my problem or pain returns?

Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

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Can I go to physical therapy without seeing a doctor?

In the state of Connecticut, you are able to see a physical therapist without a prescription from your doctor (known as "Direct Access"). However, if you are not making significant improvement with physical therapy, the physical therapist may advise you to see your physician. 

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What will I have to do after physical therapy?

Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym or personal training exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your physical therapist, so he/she can develop a custom program for you.

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Is my physical therapist licensed?

Our physical therapists have completed accredited physical therapy doctorate programs, passed their board examination issued by the the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, and are licensed to practice in the state of Connecticut. 

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Who pays for the treatment?

In most cases, health insurance will cover a portion of your treatment. In cases where your insurance does not pay for therapy, you will pay out of pocket for each visit.

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How does the billing process work?

Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor's office. When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

1. We bill your insurance company based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.

2. Diagnosis and CPT codes are transferred to a billing format and sent to the insurance company (payor).

3. The payor processes this information and makes payments according to a specified fee schedule.

4. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic reflecting patient payment responsibility. The patient is expected to make payment on the balance, if any.

5. For more information on how insurance works, click below.

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