Frequently Asked Questions
You will need to bring your insurance card, a form of identification (i.e., license), and a prescription from your doctor (if you have one), any MRI or X-Ray reports you may have, and any forms you may have downloaded and completed from our website
Yes. In the state of New Jersey, our highly qualified physical therapists have “direct access”. It gives us the same autonomy as your doctor. You have the right to be under our care with full insurance coverage (P.L. 2003, c.18) under most insurance companies. Once treatment is started we send your doctor a progress note to keep them updated. This process follows the guidelines established by the state to ensure insurance coverage. There are a few insurances that require the prescription (Medicare is an example) on the day of treatment. However, we keep close communication with doctors and that usually is not a problem. Please call us with further questions.
The frequency of the therapy visits depend on your diagnosis, your needs, and your schedule. We will work out the most optimal schedule of visits to maximize your functional progress. Most people average 2-3 times a week.
The first treatment will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. That includes the examination and treatment. After the first session, the subsequent sessions are 45 minutes to 1 hour on average. For complicated treatments, the duration can be longer than usual. Our therapists will spend as much time as needed to make sure every session gets you one step closer to getting back to life.
Loose comfortable clothing is recommended for the visits. You may be required to perform certain exercises or stretches that would be limited by tight clothing. We do have gowns and full shower and changing rooms available if needed.
Physical therapy is meant to alleviate pain and to restore function. Increases in pain or any other symptoms should be brought to the therapist’s attention immediately. The notion of “no pain – no gain” does not apply to therapy in most cases.
We are a small private facility with only a few of the top therapists on staff. We encourage all the patients to schedule with the same therapist for improved care. Having the same therapist provides better communication and “feel” of the treatment for both the therapist and patient. We strongly adhere to this policy and encourage all of our patients to do so.
Although we can perform high force joint mobilizations like Chiropractors, we tend to use other methods for treatment. We are specialists in using exercise and manual techniques to restore function and mobility to the patient’s maximal potential. Physical therapists use their knowledge to find the cause of skeletal and muscular imbalances. Then, we guide you and empower you to heal thyself with corrective exercises, hands on treatments, and proper nutrition. You will not need “maintenance” visits in therapy. You will have the knowledge and skill to prevent injuries and any pains upon completion of therapy.
Since 1980, all physical therapy schools transitioned to a Master degree program. Within the last decade more and more schools are transitioning to Clinical Doctorate programs. It is the goal of the American Physical Therapy Association to have every physical therapist obtain a doctorate degree by the year 2020. All physical therapy programs are just as intense and competitive as medical school. Much of the same information is taught, with more emphasis on body function and biomechanics.
As a patient, you have 100% control overall where you would like your physical therapy services. Your doctor can and will make suggestions concerning where to go. You have the freedom to go where you choose.