Is a Doctor’s Prescription Required to Begin Physical Therapy?
Under New York’s Direct Access legislation, individuals have the option to directly consult a licensed physical therapist and receive treatment without a prescription. This provision is applicable for up to 10 visits or a period of 30 days, whichever occurs first, for each specific instance of care.
How Long Should I Expect to Be in Physical Therapy?
Each person and their specific condition are distinct, leading to variations in physical therapy duration. Commonly, physical therapy programs run for 6 to 10 weeks, with sessions twice weekly. Our approach, centered around individualized one-on-one treatments, often results in a reduced number of visits that are less frequent, thanks to the focused attention and greater effectiveness of each session. We customize the frequency of visits for each patient, taking into account their unique requirements and situation.
How Do I Prepare For My First Physical Therapy Appointment?
When scheduling your appointment, please have your prescription and insurance card ready. This helps us in confirming your insurance benefits and providing an estimate of your coverage.
Items to Bring for Your Initial Visit:
- If your visit is due to a car accident or a worker’s compensation claim, please bring contact details (names and phone numbers) of any case managers or insurance adjusters, along with your claim number.
- Your physical therapy prescription from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA, if required.
- Your insurance information (we’ll need to make a copy of your card).
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to fill out any remaining paperwork, ensuring you get the full benefit of your evaluation time.
- Wear attire that is comfortable and provides easy access to the areas of concern.
- We recommend printing and completing the patient forms beforehand and bringing them to your appointment. If you’re unable to do this, please come a little earlier to fill them out at our facility.
Why Should You Choose Physical Therapy Over Personal Training, Chiropractic Care, or Massage Therapy?
Physical Therapists specialize in assessing movement and biomechanics, as well as treating neuro-musculoskeletal issues. Their educational background, with prerequisites closely mirroring those of medical school, culminates in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). This advanced degree equips physical therapists with comprehensive knowledge and clinical skills to evaluate and differentially diagnose patients. They are trained to develop tailored care plans and employ diverse treatment methods, including manual therapy, exercise, functional training, and various modalities such as neuromuscular stimulation, and the application of ice or heat.
How Can I Determine If You Provide Treatment for My Specific Condition?
You can be confident that our therapists possess the necessary training and expertise to assess and address your condition effectively.
All of our physical therapists have completed accredited physical therapy programs and hold state licenses. These programs are rigorous, offering either a master’s or a doctorate level degree, depending on the university.
With extensive university education in fields like anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the science of joint movement), and neurology, among other medical sciences, our physical therapists are well-equipped to provide top-notch care. Rest assured, you are in capable hands!
How Can I Make An Appointment?
You can give us a call at 718-908-2000 or fill in our contact form here.