Cumberland Physical and Occupational Therapy Office FAQs
Physical Therapy
As physical therapists, we have the ability to specifically identify musculoskeletal dysfunctions based on abnormal movement patterns, reduced range of motion and expressed symptoms utilizing various tests and measures that are specific to each patient and specific target tissues that may be affected. After determining your specific impairments, we are then able to provide patients with manual interventions, strength and stabilization exercises, flexibility training, promoting proper body mechanics with functional movements, such as bending, lifting, carrying, and squatting. Each patient is different and will be provided with an individualized approach to their specific symptoms.
Throughout your sessions of physical therapy, your therapist will be providing you with home exercises and self-management techniques to promote independence towards reaching your goals and returning to your prior level of function.
After a thorough examination and interview process, it is our mission to provide you with a rehabilitative explanation of your musculoskeletal system.
Most health insurance companies require a referral for treatment from your PCP or your referring specialist. Please contact your insurance carrier to determine if a referral is required for a specialty visit.
Many patients may go weeks, months or years before their symptoms return. It is our duty to provide you with the techniques and self-management exercises to manage your symptoms independently throughout your time at physical therapy. In the instance that your symptoms do return, we offer a 15-minute consultation to discuss your symptoms and concerns to determine if returning to physical therapy is the right option for you.
Physical therapy utilizes manual interventions including soft tissue mobilizations, joint mobilizations, active release techniques, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, cupping and trigger point dry needling to improve the mobility of your muscles, improve circulation and reduce pain.
Physical therapy treatments will consist of a series of interventions including electrical stimulation therapy, ultrasound therapy, cold therapy, heat therapy, strengthening and stabilization exercises, flexibility training, balance, and neuromuscular retraining as well as manual interventions including soft tissue mobilizations or joint manipulations. Depending on your course of treatment, your physical therapist will decide which of these interventions will provide you with the best results.
Physical therapy should not be painful. However, it is normal to experience soreness following your sessions.
Our physical therapists are specialized in manual physical therapy, as they have their Manual Therapy Certification. We also have providers who specialize in migraine relief, pelvic floor rehabilitation, trigger point dry needling, cupping and functional movement analyses.
For your first appointment, you will be assigned a physical therapist that will follow you directly throughout your sessions. Our facility utilizes a few support staff including licensed physical therapy assistants; however you treatment will primarily be over seen by your designated physical therapist.
Comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing that allows us to evaluate your area of injury.
Health Insurance coverage can vary from plan to plan. Our staff will verify your benefits with your insurance company prior to your sessions to find out exactly what your plan will cover. Based on your coverage, you and your physical therapist will create a plan that fits your budget and meets your needs.
We participate with most Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania insurances including, but not limited to the list below. Notify us if you don’t see your insurance on this list.
– Auto
– Aetna
– Blue Cross/Blue Shield
– CareFirst
– Cigna
– Coventry
– Healthsmart
– Medicare
– Medicaid (including MPC, Amerigroup, Priority Partners)
– Railroad Medicare
– Tricare
– UniCare
– United Health Care
– UMR
– Worker’s Compensation
– Self Pay
There are many reasons patients may be referred to physical therapy, including neck, low back pain, migraines, pre and post-operative rehabilitation, migraine management, pre and post-partum pelvic floor management, arthritis symptom management, vestibular rehabilitation or generalized strengthening and balance training to reduce fall occurrences. Our main priority is to get you to regain your functional independence and return to your desired lifestyle.
As doctoral prepared physical therapists, we have the ability to determine if physical therapy is the best option for you by ruling out systemic and non-musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Once we determine if you a good candidate for physical therapy, it can have many benefits including promoting healthy movements, improved quality of life, adequate sleeping patterns and providing our patients with the resources they need to be successful following their time in therapy.
During your first visit, a thorough interview, evaluation and examination will be performed that is tailored to your expressed symptoms. This can include various manual techniques, exercises, movement analyses and general education to assist with self-management techniques. You should expect to move throughout your treatment, so we recommend bringing comfy clothes and supportive shoes. Other interventions that may be utilized including electrical stimulation therapy, cold therapy, heat therapy, as well as ultrasound therapy to address pain and inflammation management.
Your individual plan and treatment will depend upon what you and your therapist talk about and what you want to achieve with physical therapy. You can expect hands on care specific to your body which may include soft tissue and scar mobilization, visceral manipulation, and dry needling. Your home program may include breath work, strengthening and stability exercises, stretches, and modifying some of your day to day activities.
On your first visit, you will have the opportunity to discuss your plan of care with your physical therapist, where they will estimate the number of visits you will need. We often see results quickly and the number of visits can range from as little as 2 or more, depending on your rehabilitation diagnosis. We highly encourage our patients to complete their physical therapy plan to maximize their benefits and return to their functional lifestyle.
You should expect your initial evaluation to last from 60-90 minutes, with follow up appointments lasting 45-60 minutes depending on your plan of care.
For your first visit, you should be sure to bring the following:
-Insurance Card
-ID
-PT/OT Script
-Referral (if applicable)
After verifying your benefits, each session will be submitted to your health insurance company for review. Coverage of insurance is strictly dependent on your individualized plan. We do our best to provide you with this information in regard to your copay or coinsurance, prior to your initial evaluation, so you are aware that you may have out of pocket costs.
Our front office staff will assist with verifying your insurance benefits and estimating the patient responsibility. After your visit, our billing team will submit the claim to your insurance company and determine the remaining patient-due balance, if any.
We accept Cash, Checks, Visa, Master Card, American Express and Debit Cards.
We do not; however, our office is wheelchair accessible.
Yes.
Yes; remote service via Language Line.
No.
Please visit Google Maps to view your public transportation options (Directions –>Transit).
New patient: $100 ; Follow-Up: $100
2024 Patient Information Packet E Forms (Click To Download PDF)
Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapists assist individuals who are in need of increasing flexibility, decreasing pain or building strength. Additionally, we help patients who have undergone surgeries and who are in need of therapy to regain optimal physical functionality.
Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder girdle. It is a merging of occupational therapy and physical therapy theory and practice.
The treatment of the upper extremity is a highly specialized skill. The CHT credential ensures that the therapist has attained the highest level of competency in the care of the upper extremity. The CHT has up-to-date knowledge and expertise in surgical techniques. This is critical in post injury and surgery care, allowing the therapist to protect the delicate structures while helping you restore your motion and function.
CHT is a separate credential that an experienced therapist can attain through advanced study and training. They have dedicated their careers to this specialization.
CHT’s are therapists who have a minimum of 5 years of experience and 4,000 hours in the direct care of patients with upper extremity injuries.
CHT’s have passed a comprehensive examination of in-depth anatomy and physiology, theory and advanced clinical skills in treatment of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.
We provide comprehensive therapy and rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity to include the neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist in addition to the hand. Some of the common conditions to the upper extremity in which we provide therapy include:
– Tendonitis, Bursitis, Frozen Shoulder, Impingement and Rotator Cuff injuries and Post-Operative Therapy.
– Bicep Tendonitis and Rupture, Shoulder and Elbow Dislocation, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Stiff Elbow
– Sports injuries (Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow, Baseball Finger, Trigger Finger, Skier’s Thumb)
– Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
– Fractures (Fingers, Hands, Arms, Shoulder, Neck)
– Ganglion Cysts
– Finger Amputations
– Arthritis (Rheumatoid, Osteo, Basal Joint)
– De Quervains Tendonitis
– Lymphadema Management
During your first visit you can expect the following:
– Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website – see the paperwork or forms link).
– You will provide us with your prescription for occupational therapy.
– We will copy your insurance card.
– You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
The therapist will discuss the following:
1. Your medical history.
2. Your current problems/complaints.
3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
4. How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
5. Your goals with occupational therapy.
6. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
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, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
2. Range of Motion (ROM)– the therapist will move the joint(s) 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. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
4. Neurological Screening– the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
5. Special Tests– the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
6. Posture Assessment– the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.
The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient’s input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home 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 therapist, and your doctor.
Our treatments include: Myofascial Release, Active Release Techniques, Conservative Management of Injury, Post-Op Management of Injury, Custom Splint Fabrication, Therapeutic Modalities (Ultrasound, Phonophoresis, Iontophoresis, Inter-X Therapy, Electrical Stimulation), Therapeutic Massage, Adaptive Techniques, Energy Conservation/Work Simplification, Work Stimulation/Re-Entry, Activities of Daily Living, Pediatric Hand Development. Neurological Conditions of the Upper Extremity, Prosthetic Training, Lymphedema Management, Strength and Transitional Training.
Utilizing all of the latest techniques we can fabricate any custom splint not matter how complicated. Physicians may send their patients directly to us from their office if they require a splint, as we accept walk-ins. All other treatments are by appointment, but we offer hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Special arrangements can be made if necessary.
Normally, appointments are approximately 60 minutes. The initial visit and custom splinting visits may take longer.
You will need to attend your therapy sessions until you, your physician and your therapist decide that you have reached your desired level of function or that further therapy would not be beneficial.
To make an appointment call the clinic at 301 777-2170 and choose option two for our front desk receptionists and they will schedule your appointment.
Regular parking is available on the rear side of the building as well as on the Pine Ave side of the building. Our main entrance is also located on the rear side of the building.
The clinics handicapped entrance is located on the front side of the building which faces Willowbrook Road. Parking spaces are located on the Pine Ave. end of the building.