Questions

1. How can we help our patients?
2. What diagnoses do we treat?
3. What frequency and duration is appropriate for treatment?
4. What should I write on the physical therapy prescription?

Answers

1. How can we help our patients?

   As physical therapists, we are experts in movement and function. Our primary goal of physical therapy is to treat people who have suffered injury or illness and maximize function. We do this by developing specialized treatment plans to help restore mobility, reduce pain, increase fitness levels, prevent injury, or slow the progression of irreversible medical conditions.

2. What diagnoses do we treat?

   Specifically, we treat the following conditions:

   • Amputations
   • Arthritis
   • Balance or coordination problems
   • Carpal tunnel syndrome
   • Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
   • Fall prevention
   • General orthopaedic injuries
   • Incontinence and pelvic pain
   • Osteoporosis
   • Post-cancer conditioning and rehabilitation
   • Post-operative rehabilitation
   • Posture problems
   • Prenatal and post-partum issues
   • Rehabilitation after serious injury
   • Sprains, strains, fractures, and nerve entrapments
   • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
   • Vestibular rehabilitation
   • Women’s health issues
3. What frequency and duration is appropriate for treatment?

   In general, most patients with musculoskeletal conditions attend physical therapy 2-3 times a week on non-consecutive days. Length or duration of care is dependent on many variables including patient age, diagnosis, fitness level, severity of injury, and more. On average, patients are seen in therapy for 3-6 weeks.

   If you are unsure of the most appropriate frequency and duration, the physical therapist can make a recommendation based on their evaluation findings. You can also put an initial frequency and duration on the prescription. If the therapist feels more or less therapy is appropriate, they will communicate this with you.

4. What should I write on the physical therapy prescription?

   The most common items to include on a physical therapy prescription are your patient’s diagnoses and the statement “evaluate and treat“. The therapist will then complete their evaluation and send a copy of the report to your office.

   If you ever have questions regarding appropriate referral to physical therapy, please do not hesitate to contact one of our therapists.