What is a physical therapist?
Physical therapists, sometimes referred to as simply PTs, are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limits their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles
Do I need a referral?
That depends on your insurance, if you need an insurance referral to see a specialist, like an orthopedist, neurologist or physiatrist, then you need an insurance referral for physical therapy, as well. Some insurance plans allow you to come directly to physical therapy without obtaining a referral. Please contact the Plymouth or Pembroke office to obtain our provider number for you to contact your PCP office for the insurance referral.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept all major insurances including workers compensation and motor vehicle accident cases. This includes BCBS, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, Cigna, Aetna, Neighborhood, Medicare, Masshealth, BMC, and more. Please check with our office to verify.
What should I wear?
You should wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow the therapist to access your injured area. In most cases you should wear clothing appropriate for exercise, including proper foot wear (not sandals). If you have are in a removable boot you should bring both shoes with you to your visit.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
You’ll need:
- A prescription for physical therapy from a referring physician
- An insurance referral from your primary care physician (if specifically required by your insurance company to see a specialist)
- Comfortable clothing as mentioned above.
- Medical reports such as x-ray/MRI reports or surgical reports (not necessary, but helpful)
- Is there parking available? Both our Plymouth and Pembroke sites have ample free parking close to the office.
How long does each session last? How many times a week will I attend therapy?
Your evaluation will last about 60 to 90 minutes. Follow-up treatments average 60 minutes per session, typically with 2-3 sessions per week, depending upon your referring doctor’s physical therapy prescription and type of condition or injury.
How long is the wait time before each appointment?
Expect to start on time, with the exception of your first visit where you will be required to fill out a few forms.
How soon can I receive an appointment?
If necessary, we can usually accommodate same day appointments. Often, we will try to schedule you within 48-72 hours of your initial call to us.
Do I see the same therapist each session?
Yes, we try to maintain consistency between therapists and patients. However, we have several therapists working together and we will accommodate your schedule with another therapist, if necessary, so as to not jeopardize the continuity of your care.
Are treatments one-on-one?
We set up our appointments on the half hour. Your therapist will always see you and perform your treatment. However, appointments tend to overlap, so there often will be other patients in the clinic.
Should I still come to therapy if I feel better? Worse?
You should try to keep each appointment, even if you are feeling better or worse. You therapist will need to know how you are feeling, so they can make the appropriate modifications to your physical therapy program for effective recovery. It is not unusual to feel some soreness after a physical therapy session. There are many treatment options available to eliminate pain/discomfort from an exacerbation of your injury.
Do you accept credit cards for payments?
Yes.
