What IS Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is a branch of healthcare that focuses on decreasing pain and improving function. Physical Therapists (DPT’s) with the help of Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA’s) use intervention such as exercise, hands-on-treatment, and modalities in order to create physical change in bone, muscle and connective tissues. At Total Fitness Connection we offer a unique dynamic to our Physical Therapy department with two of our departments being connected to our fitness facilities, as well as an aquatic therapy pool.
What will I do on my first visit?
Your first Physical Therapy visit will consist of a physical examination after filling out past medical history paperwork. You will spend 45 minutes to an hour discussing your condition with a Physical Therapist. Through this process your PT can discover if your daily activities are having an affect on the problem that you’re having (such as your line of work, or your exercise routine). You and your therapist will come up with a treatment strategy and a plan for how to address your diagnosis based on your functional needs and wants. For each visit we recommend you wear something comfortable that you can move around in easily.
How long/how often will I be in Physical Therapy?
This is all dependent on your diagnosis. How severe it is, and how long you have been dealing with your current condition are a couple of factors we put into consideration. Physical Therapy is typically attended 2-3 times per week so that you and your therapist can work towards functional goals. The PT will often give you stretching/strengthening home exercises to do as well to help quicken the healing process. On average, Physical Therapy typically lasts between 4-6 weeks.
How long is each session, and what will my sessions consist of?
Most sessions will be about 45 minutes to an hour long. Sessions typically consist of stretching/strengthening exercises, hands-on-treatment, and modalities such as heat or ice. Each session and treatment plan is tailored specifically to your condition and your level of activity.
