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Frequently Asked Questions
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy, as its name implies, is concerned with the physical aspect – specifically, movement and function, of a person’s health, that may be impaired due to aging, injury, disease, or surgery. Physical therapy interventions may include, but are not limited to, patient/caregiver education; functional mobility and gait training; provision of adaptive aids or durable medical equipment; electrotherapeutic and mechanical agents; manual techniques (joint and soft tissue mobilization); and exercise prescription.
How should I dress?
We suggest loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and that enables modest exposure of the specific body region receiving treatment: i.e., if you have been referred to therapy for your knee, shorts or pants that can be rolled up past the knee are ideal. Because exercise is a component of therapy, comfortable walking or athletic shoes are also advised.
How long are physical therapy appointments?
The initial physical therapy evaluation and follow up appointments are 45 minutes in length. To insure the full amount of time for new evaluations, we advise clients arrive 30-45 minutes early in order to complete all of the necessary paperwork prior to the start of the appointment. Alternatively, clients are welcome to complete the new client/evaluation paperwork ahead of time (simply download, print, and complete from this site).
What types of procedures will I receive in my treatment?
We recognize that each client who walks through our doors is a unique individual. Therefore, the procedures used in a physical therapy session are based upon careful consideration of the individual patient and his/her past medical/surgical history; the current diagnosis for which the client referred; the client’s personal goals; and the plan of care established at the initial evaluation.
Who will see me?
All clinical staff at Core Physical Therapy are licensed physical therapy professionals in the state of California.
Will I get a massage at physical therapy?
Unfortunately, massage therapy is not a covered benefit. However, physical therapists use many different treatment modalities and handling techniques. Depending on the nature of the disorder, a physical therapist may use soft tissue mobilization techniques to reduce a soft tissue restriction (example: scar tissue formation) that may be limiting motion in a joint. However, it is not the only procedure performed in a physical therapy treatment session, nor is it meant to replace all other procedures.