What do physical therapists do?
Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.
Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment, but PT's also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems.
Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
Physical therapists can have a profound effect on people’s lives. They help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives. (Choose PT.com)
Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.
Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment, but PT's also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems.
Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
Physical therapists can have a profound effect on people’s lives. They help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives. (Choose PT.com)
What type of training/education do physical therapists have?
Most physical therapists are required to receive a clinical doctorate from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. Therapists who have been practicing 10 years or longer may have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy.
Most physical therapists are required to receive a clinical doctorate from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. Therapists who have been practicing 10 years or longer may have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy.
Why did my doctor recommend Forté Rehabilitation and Wellness Center?
Forté Rehabilitation and Wellness Center has an outstanding reputation in South Texas when it comes to rehabilitation for cancer patients. We work very closely with many oncology physicians in San Antonio and surrounding areas. We have successfully treated patients from all over South Texas and Mexico; from McAllen and Del Rio in the South, Austin and Fredericksburg to the North. Our physical therapists have advanced oncology training outside the usual physical therapy curriculum and utilize many techniques not familiar to most PTs.
Forté Rehabilitation and Wellness Center has an outstanding reputation in South Texas when it comes to rehabilitation for cancer patients. We work very closely with many oncology physicians in San Antonio and surrounding areas. We have successfully treated patients from all over South Texas and Mexico; from McAllen and Del Rio in the South, Austin and Fredericksburg to the North. Our physical therapists have advanced oncology training outside the usual physical therapy curriculum and utilize many techniques not familiar to most PTs.
What shall I bring to my first visit?
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance cards, a prescription if you have it, a list of your medications with dosages and frequency, and any relevant results from diagnostic testing such as x-ray and MRI reports.
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance cards, a prescription if you have it, a list of your medications with dosages and frequency, and any relevant results from diagnostic testing such as x-ray and MRI reports.
What do I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing which will allow you to move freely. We provide gowns and sheets to provide optimal privacy if necessary.
Wear comfortable clothing which will allow you to move freely. We provide gowns and sheets to provide optimal privacy if necessary.
What can I expect from my first visit?
Initial processing
When you arrive for your first appointment, you will be greeted by our office staff who will assist you in gathering necessary admission information. The information will be processed, and the physical therapist will review your information prior to bringing you back for your appointment. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes. We recommend you arrive early to ensure that you are brought back for your meeting with the therapist at your scheduled time.
The Evaluation
You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the physical therapist who will review and discuss the following:
Initial processing
When you arrive for your first appointment, you will be greeted by our office staff who will assist you in gathering necessary admission information. The information will be processed, and the physical therapist will review your information prior to bringing you back for your appointment. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes. We recommend you arrive early to ensure that you are brought back for your meeting with the therapist at your scheduled time.
The Evaluation
You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the physical therapist who will review and discuss the following:
- Your medical history
- Your current problems/complaints
- Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem
- How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations
- Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health
- Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
- Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
- Muscle Testing - the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
- Neurological Screening - the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
- Special Tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
- Posture Assessment - the positions of joints may be assessed.
Does insurance cover my visits?
Our physical therapy sessions are routinely covered by Medicare and private insurance companies. Policies vary widely, but as a general rule, you can expect to pay a co-pay or coinsurance which is set by your insurance company. We recommend that you call your insurance company to ensure that you understand your specific physical therapy benefits. We are happy to assist you with understanding your specific physical therapy benefits and financial responsibilities based on your insurance policy. Our office staff will contact your insurance carrier to verify your benefits prior to your first visit and share that information with you upon arrival. Please call with any questions; we are here to make your experience as easy and worry free as possible.
Our physical therapy sessions are routinely covered by Medicare and private insurance companies. Policies vary widely, but as a general rule, you can expect to pay a co-pay or coinsurance which is set by your insurance company. We recommend that you call your insurance company to ensure that you understand your specific physical therapy benefits. We are happy to assist you with understanding your specific physical therapy benefits and financial responsibilities based on your insurance policy. Our office staff will contact your insurance carrier to verify your benefits prior to your first visit and share that information with you upon arrival. Please call with any questions; we are here to make your experience as easy and worry free as possible.
How many visits will I need?
The number of visits will vary depending on the care you need. You and your therapist will discuss options that are available and decide on a plan of care together.
The number of visits will vary depending on the care you need. You and your therapist will discuss options that are available and decide on a plan of care together.
How long is each session?
Each session is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour long. We understand that your time is valuable, and we take pride in keeping your appointment time on schedule.
Each session is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour long. We understand that your time is valuable, and we take pride in keeping your appointment time on schedule.
Will it hurt?
Although some physical therapy procedures can be uncomfortable, we at Forté Rehabilitation and Wellness Center strive to keep you comfortable and reduce your pain. Most patients experience a decrease in pain at the end of each session. Treatments can be adapted to your comfort level. Communication with the therapist is the best way to ensure a successful and comfortable session.
Although some physical therapy procedures can be uncomfortable, we at Forté Rehabilitation and Wellness Center strive to keep you comfortable and reduce your pain. Most patients experience a decrease in pain at the end of each session. Treatments can be adapted to your comfort level. Communication with the therapist is the best way to ensure a successful and comfortable session.
What happens if my symptoms return after completion of therapy?
We believe in staying in touch with you after your discharge from therapy. If necessary, the physical therapist will schedule you for regular follow up visits to ensure that you are doing ok or make changes to your self-care regimen. If you experience a return of your symptoms after completion of therapy, we recommend that you call Forté and speak to your therapist. You may be advised to return to Forté for a re-evaluation, return to your physician, or simply adjust your home management program.
We believe in staying in touch with you after your discharge from therapy. If necessary, the physical therapist will schedule you for regular follow up visits to ensure that you are doing ok or make changes to your self-care regimen. If you experience a return of your symptoms after completion of therapy, we recommend that you call Forté and speak to your therapist. You may be advised to return to Forté for a re-evaluation, return to your physician, or simply adjust your home management program.
Have more questions? Please call us at (210) 342-5300 and one of our friendly office staff will be glad to help!
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Forté Rehabilitation & Wellness center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients by providing excellent comprehensive physical rehabilitation to individuals who are suffering from cancer or the effects of cancer treatment.
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