La Plata Physical 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)
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic health physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the pelvic floor—that “sling” of muscles inside your pelvis holding the pelvic organs in place and supporting digestive, sexual, and reproductive function.
Pelvic health physical therapy is for all genders struggling with signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, including low back pain, groin pain, pelvic pain, diastasis recti (ab separation), bladder and bowel dysfunction (including but not limited to incontinence), postpartum pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and more. Pelvic health PT can help even if you have no pain at all and simply want to correct core and pelvic floor weakness, or if you want to avoid future problems by taking a preventive approach (we’re looking at you, moms-to-be).
You and your physical therapist will spend time talking about what made you seek out pelvic floor physical therapy. Your therapist will ask you questions about your bladder and bowel health, any discomfort or pain you are having, and activities you enjoy doing or want to get back to. Based on your discussion, your physical therapist may or may not perform an internal examination of your pelvic floor muscles using one gloved finger.
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.
There are many ways to evaluate the pelvic floor muscles. They can be assessed externally over clothing, externally, or internally (vaginally or rectally). Assessing the pelvic floor muscles internally gives us a full picture of how your pelvic floor is functioning and takes the “guess work” out of what your pelvic floor muscles are doing and how they are functioning. This assessment is performed to assess the strength, endurance, symmetry, mobility, and tone of the pelvic floor muscles.
An internal exam is not required, but may be recommended at or after your first visit in order to provide the best possible treatment options. External and internal pelvic floor muscle assessments are performed based on your symptoms and only with continuous informed consent.
Yes, you can come to your pelvic health PT appointment if you are on your period; it’s really about whatever you are comfortable with. Our sessions are beneficial at any and every point in your menstrual cycle.