Is a doctor’s prescription required for physical therapy?
Yes, in Mississippi, in order to receive physical therapy, an order is required from a doctor, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, or physician’s assistant. This order is required whether a person uses insurance to help pay or is paying themselves without the use of insurance. We can take a verbal order (over the phone) if needed. If your pain returns in 180 days, we can see you without a doctor’s prescription.
How long will my appointments last?
A typical session last 1-1.5 hours. However, the first visit, which includes an evaluation, may last longer.
What should I wear to physical therapy?
We suggest comfortable clothing that is easy to move in, and allows your therapist access to your affected area.
How long do I have to come to physical therapy?
Your doctor (on his/her prescription) will advise 2-3 X a week. We typically see most patients for at least a month. If we need to see you longer, we will contact your physician and recommend continued physical therapy intervention. Each patient is different, and we all respond differently to a plan of care.
How much will insurance cover?
It depends on what type of treatment a person is receiving. Exercises, soft tissue work, balance, modalities such as moist heat, ice, estim, ultrasound… each treatment is a different charge. Typically, a physical therapy visit is around $150 per visit. Once a person’s deductible is met most insurance policies, including Medicare, cover 80% of each visit. Many patients also have a secondary policy that covers the other 20%.
What if an exercise is increasing my pain?
You need to let your physical therapist know if any exercise or treatment increases your pain. While some of the interventions may be uncomfortable, we do not want to aggravate a condition unless necessary.
*Often post-surgery rehabilitation may be painful as we take a joint to end range of motion.
Do I have to do my home exercise plan?
YES! Your home exercise plan has been created especially for you by your physical therapist. You are in the clinic a very limited period of time and your home program is a very important part of your plan of care. It will hasten your recovery.
What if I have questions about my bill or insurance coverage for your services?
You can call our office with questions about your bill. We have staff that perform both electronic billing and paper billing as needed. You can make a payment in our office, or you can pay over the phone with a credit card.
Is it normal to hurt more after my physical therapy session?
Often you are very sore and tender after being treated. Your pain should subside quickly over 72 hours with the use of your home exercise program and heat/ice as your PT advised.
When should I use heat? Ice?
Most ‘tight’ areas need heat whereas swelling and true pain would benefit from ice. We use heat/ice for 15 minutes to the affected body part.
What is ASTYM treatment?
Astym® treatment is regenerative soft tissue therapy that rebuilds and heals the soft tissues of the body. By eliminating pain and restoring movement, Astym® treatment helps countless people each day. http://www.astym.com/Patients
Is bruising normal after ASTYM?
Yes, patients sometimes bruise after being treated with ASTYM. Your physical therapist will be glad to describe the reason why in detail if you would like to discuss it with them.
What is Dry Point Needling?
Dry Needling is the insertion of needles without medicine into, alongside, or around nerves, muscles, or connective tissues for the management of pain and dysfunction in neuromusculoskeletal conditions. It is a manual technique or treatment based upon modern, science-based principles. DPN uses fine solid filament needles with or without the application of electrical stimulation. We use sterile single-use disposable needles in a clean, safe environment to minimize risk of infection.
What are some common conditions often treated with Dry Point Needling?
tendinitis, nerve inhibition/dysfunction, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), muscular strains, hard to heal ligament sprains, low back strains/sprains, plantar fasciitis, tendinosis, cervical neck pain/tightness, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache/TMJ, fibromyalgia