What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is a healing art that prevents and rehabilitates dysfunctions of the skeletal, neurological, and muscular systems caused as a result of injury, disease or birth defect.  Most people associate Physical Therapy with rehabilitation after a surgical procedure, but Physical Therapy also includes pediatric therapy, postural rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, post-stroke or heart attack rehabilitation, sports medicine, vestibular rehabilitation, health and wellness services, and neuromuscular rehabilitation. Licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants can practice in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools and private practices.

When do you need Physical Therapy?
If you are experiencing pain, weakness, decreased mobility or “trouble getting around”, failing balance, difficulty walking, or just general deconditioning that interferes with your ability to perform your daily activities, job, or recreational activities, then you are in need of Physical Therapy.

What do Physical Therapists do?
The goals of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are to restore function, improve mobility and strength, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. Physical Therapists/Physical Therapist Assistants use therapeutic exercise, manual techniques, and modalities such heat/cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to accomplish these goals.  Another goal of Physical Therapy is long-term relief as opposed to a “quick fix,” therefore, Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants also focus on educating the patient on their particular condition and on how to maintain the results achieved with Physical Therapy for the long-term.

What is the procedure to receive Physical Therapy in Georgia?
Georgia law requires that you first obtain a Doctor’s prescription to authorize Physical Therapy treatment.  Then you must choose a Physical Therapy clinic and make an appointment.  You will then be seen by a Physical Therapist who will evaluate your strength and deficits.  Based on their findings, the Physical Therapist will create your plan of care and treatment goals and begin treating you.  After the initial visit, you will be seen by either a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant until you are discharged from Physical Therapy.

Do I have to go to where my Doctor refers me for Physical Therapy?
No.  According to Georgia law, you have the right to obtain Physical Therapy at any clinic you choose.  Your physician may refer you for physical therapy that is to be provided in his or her office or to a facility in which he or she has a financial interest. If either situation is the case, insist that your physical therapy be provided by a licensed physical therapist.  You may verify the license of any Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant here. 

How do I choose the right Physical Therapy clinic?
There are a few very important things to consider when deciding where to go for Physical Therapy.  First of all, convenience is important because you will most likely need to go for therapy two to three times a week.  Secondly, make sure the clinic you choose accepts your insurance. 

Most importantly, find out about the reputation of the clinic.  The best way to get that information is to talk to friends and neighbors about their experiences with Physical Therapy locally, or call the Better Business Bureau. 

Will my insurance pay for Physical Therapy?
Yes, almost all health care insurance includes benefits for Physical Therapy.  Coverage may be limited by a certain number of visits per year, may require a small co-pay similar to Doctor’s visits, or have other limitations.  Either way, your coverage can be verified by a simple phone call to your health insurance provider. Read about the insurances we accept here. 

Why should I choose Physical Therapy over other kinds of treatment like medication, injections, surgery, etc.?
Physical Therapy is considered to be a noninvasive form of health care.  Sometimes, invasive treatments like medication, injections, and surgery are unavoidable.  The goal of Physical Therapy is to alleviate the patient’s condition and teach the patient how to maintain their results long-term and noninvasively.   For this reason, most physicians will ask you to try Physical Therapy first in order to avoid more invasive treatment options.

How long do I need to keep doing the exercises you gave me?
Therapeutic exercises are often prescribed to improve range of motion and strength during the course of Physical Therapy treatment.  In order to maintain the results achieved with Physical Therapy, however, patients are encouraged to continue their exercise routine even after they are discharged from Physical Therapy.

If you have any other questions about Physical Therapy in general, or about ProMotion Physical Therapy of Loganville and Grayson, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (770)554-7977 or via email.