Frequently Asked Questions
Read some of the most common questions our patients ask us about physical therapy.
Physical therapists can help you improve your mobility and quality of life without the expense of surgery or side effects of pain medication. Physical therapists are also the health care professionals of choice for rehabilitation for orthopedic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary and many other conditions and injuries.
More and more physical therapists are graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. More than 92 percent of the more than 200 accredited academic institutions nationwide offering professional physical therapist education programs now offer the DPT degree – and more than 75 percent of all 2008 PT graduates hold a DPT degree.
Physical therapists are experts in the way the human body moves. They use treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They will also help you prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs to help you achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Yes, in many cases, a personal, comprehensive treatment plan by a physical therapist can help you reduce and/or eliminate pain.
Yes, many conditions can be successfully treated without expensive and painful surgery. Talk to your physical therapist to see what options are available to you. Surgery does not have to be your only course of action.
In most cases, yes. Fort Lee Physical Therapy accepts most major health insurance plans including all PPO plans, Auto Insurance, and Medicare. Fort Lee Physical Therapy also has cash-pay options and we will try to work hard to accommodate everyone. Please call our office at 201-585-7300 if you have any further questions.
Click on the links below to learn more about insurance coverage for physical therapy.
Click on the links below to learn more about insurance coverage for physical therapy.
- Physical Therapy & Your Insurance: A Patient’s Guide to Getting the Best Coverage: The best way to take care of your health is to take an active role in your own health care. To do this, you need to know about your options and your rights as a patient.
- Understanding Reimbursement for Physical Therapy: Physical therapists are professional health care providers who are licensed by the state in which they practice.
- Hands on treatment during EVERY visit
- Personalized care for every patient
- Manual therapy, therapeutic exercises and modalities with high focus on patient education
- Highly educated professional PTs and support staff
- Beautiful clinic with state of the art equipment
- Location near major freeways with ample parking
Manual therapy refers to hands-on techniques used to help assess, diagnose and treat certain ailments. Manual physical therapy is a highly valued component of physical therapy at CBPT and is performed during one on one time with each patient for individualized attention. There are many different types of manual therapy techniques used at CBPT including osteopathic methods, Maitland, Kaltenborne, McKenzie etc. The type of manual therapy used is dependent on the training of the physical therapist and his/her assessment of what is the most beneficial for the patient. The physical therapists will also explain the purpose of each technique and are always open to any questions.
Manual therapy is an advanced level of physical therapy training that includes skilled, specific hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures. Expected outcomes may include managing pain, increasing range of motion, reducing soft tissue tension, eliminating joint inflammation, increasing joint mobility, improving joint stability, restoring normal movement patterns, improving general fitness and returning to work/sport.
Our practice of physical therapy concentrates on:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
This is designed to improve mobility to muscles, tendons and fascia as it relates to pain, posture and joint dysfunction.
Specific techniques – such as massage, myofascial release and strain-counterstrain – are individualized to the patient’s dysfunction.
Joint Mobilization
These are passive procedures where the therapist uses their hands to assess and treat altered mechanics of joint systems leading to dysfunctions.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Your therapist will supervise you in a dosed exercise program to match your tissue injury and/or movement dysfunction. Our specialized training and equipment allow for early rehabilitation of the most acute injuries. Dosed exercise progressions will restore you to normal function and/or elite athletic performance.
Patient Education
Your therapist will educate you on how to best manage your problem during and after physical therapy; including self-care strategies, home exercises and work ergonomics. We can also advise you and, when necessary, your trainer on how to best reach all your fitness goals.
When you first arrive at the clinic, have your insurance card and driver’s license available for photocopy. You will also need to give us your prescription for physical therapy from your doctor. Paperwork will then be given to you to fill out. It is recommended that you come in 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete the paperwork. You can also download the paperwork to complete ahead of time.
After the paperwork is complete, you will be given a tour of our facility. One of our highly skilled physical therapists will then perform an initial evaluation to help determine causes of symptoms/dysfunction and a treatment plan. The initial evaluation is comprised of the following components:
- Subjective: The physical therapist will discuss with you your medical history; symptoms, problems or complaints; pain intensity, aggravating or easing factors; what activities in your daily life are affected by your complaints/problems; any tests, medications or procedures performed and what your goals are for physical therapy.
- Objective Measurements: The physical therapist will make observations and take measurements.
- Postural Assessment: Positions of joints, symmetry and muscle mass are assessed.
- Movement Assessment: The physical therapist may examine the biomechanics of certain activities such as walking, lifting, reaching up to determine whether the movements can be performed more efficiently and with less pain.
- Range of Motion: Joints will be moved around to see quality and quantity of movement and if there is pain.
- Strength: The physical therapist will check for weakness, pain and quality of muscle contraction.
- Special Tests: These are used to confirm or rule out certain physical therapy diagnoses
- Palpation: Touch is used to determine tenderness, temperature, soft tissue integrity, swelling, sensitivity etc.
- Neurological Tests: Tests like reflexes, sensation and strength testing may be used to determine if the nerves are being affected or contributing to your symptoms.
- Assessment: The physical therapist will discuss with you the findings of the evaluation and educate you on the sources of the problem. Goals of therapy will be discussed as well has a treatment plan and rehabilitation program.
- Each treatment usually comprises of manual therapy treatment, one on one with the physical therapist; an exercise program for the clinic and at home and modalities as necessary.
- Plan: The physical therapist will discuss with you how many visits you will require and how long you should expect to be in physical therapy to reach maximal function. Together, you will create a schedule that is most convenient for you.
Loose comfortable clothing should be worn so that the areas being assessed are easily exposed for examination. Comfortable shoes are also recommended. Gowns are also available for your convenience.
15. How long will each treatment last?
Each treatment lasts for 60 minutes and involves one-on-one manual therapy treatment with the physical therapist, therapeutic exercise performed at the clinic to ensure proper mechanics and techniques and usually ends with modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice or heat pack. It is important to perform home exercises as prescribed by the physical therapist outside of the clinic.
16. Will I have to do exercises?
Therapeutic exercise is a very important component of your rehabilitation program. Compliance with a home exercise program will facilitate recovery, makes changes from physical therapy more permanent and help prevent risk of re-injury. The exercises always performed at the clinic first before it is prescribed for your home program to make sure it is done correctly. A hand out will be given with diagrams to help you remember your home program.
We prefer that each patient remains with the same therapist for each visit so that the physical therapist can follow you through the full course of treatment and be the primary contact for communication with other health care providers including your doctor. On occasion, you may see another physical therapist if there is a conflict in schedules. You may request to schedule with a female or male therapist if there is a preference.
You are welcome to schedule a free consultation without a prescription to discuss any problems you may have and how me may help you.
The number of visits is dependent on the individual, the diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, medical history, prior level of function etc and can range from a few visits to a few months. The physical therapist will discuss with you how many visits you will require and how long you should expect to be in physical therapy to reach maximal function.
The amount paid out of pocket depends on individual insurance plans and coverage. We will gladly verify your insurance and explain your benefits and financial responsibility before your first visit. For those patients without coverage options, discounted cash rates are available, and vary depending on diagnosis and treatment.
Have Questions?
Let us know if you have any questions about your treatment, our practice and whatever else is on your mind. We are here to help and we look forward to serving you!