Do I need a prescription for Physical Therapy and who may I get one from?

The State of Virginia requires a prescription for treatment.  A prescription may be obtained by one of the following:   licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, dental surgery, licensed nurse practitioner as authorized in his practice protocol, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function.

Physical therapists:

• Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities
• Restore, maintain, and promote not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health
• Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.

Physical therapists engage in an examination process that includes taking patient/client history, conducting systems review, and performing tests and measures to identify potential and existing problems.  To establish diagnoses, prognoses and plans of care, physical therapists perform evaluations, synthesizing the examination data and determining whether the problems to be addresses are within the scope of physical therapist practice. Based on their judgments  about diagnoses, prognosis and based on patient/client goals, physical therapists provide interventions, conduct reexaminations, modify interventions as necessary to achieve anticipated goals and expected outcomes and develop and implement discharge plans.

What is MANUAL physical therapy?

Manual therapy techniques are skilled hand movements intended to improve tissue extensibility, increase range of motion, induce relaxation, mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints, modulate pain, and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction.
Procedures and modalities to include:

• Joint mobilization / Manipulation
• Functional Mobilization
• Neural Mobilization
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Myofascial release
• Friction massage
• Range of motion
• Manual traction

Where can I find out more information about physical therapy?

Please visit  MoveForwardPT.com and APTA.org.

Who chooses which physical therapist I go to?

The physical therapy provider you seek is ultimately your decision.  You may see any physical therapist you choose, although many people get a recommendation from their physician or insurance company (in-network providers) and many of our patients are referred to us by patient’s family and friends.

How do I arrange an appointment?

Please call us at 804.320.2220 to make your first appointment or use our online Request an Appointment form. In the state of Virginia, you may receive a one time evaluation without a prescription, but will need to obtain one for treatment.  Your insurance coverage for an initial evaluation without a prescription is dependent upon your insurance plan.

What is my responsibility in physical therapy?

The patient and physical therapist relationship is a partnership. You will be asked to be an active participant in learning new ways of moving your body and following through with a home program.  In order to expedite your recovery, it is necessary to correct painful movements and postures, which will require awareness and persistence.

What should I bring?

Please bring your insurance card, and any paperwork that you downloaded from our website or forms that may have been sent to you, and form of identification. Also, any operative reports, MRI or X-ray results.

Does my insurance cover physical therapy?

Most insurance companies cover physical therapy services to a certain extent depending on your specific plan. We will verify your physical therapy benefits for you however we ask that you also call your insurance company to educate yourself and confirm benefits.  Some plans require pre-authorization before initiating treatment and authorization will need to be obtained before therapy services begin.

What is the co-pay, coinsurance or deductive for physical therapy?

Co-pays, coinsurances and deductibles are determined by your insurance company and your specific plan. We will call and verify your benefits before your initial visit and notify you of your specific amounts.

What should I expect on my first visit?

On your first visit, your physical therapist will perform an examination/evaluation to determine what deficits and/or problems you have that can be addressed with physical therapy.
The initial evaluation includes:

• A thorough history through a detailed interview, systems review, and tests and measures that allow the physical therapist to get an understanding of your condition. Your physical therapist will make a clinical judgment as to your diagnosis and prognosis and a treatment plan will be developed aimed at resolving the problems identified as well as to achieve the goals you and your physical therapist determine.

What types of interventions may I receive?

Your treatment is dependent upon your condition and determined by your physical therapist and physician.  Treatment may include any/all of the following interventions:

Patient/client instruction including home exercise instruction
Procedural interventions:

• Manual therapy*
• Therapeutic exercise/corrective exercise: emphasizing correcting imbalances
• Functional training (home, work, activities of daily living)
• Movement retraining
• Postural training
• Sport performance
• Neuromuscular re-education
• Prescription/application of equipment
• Physical Agents and modalities (heat, cold, electric stimulation)
• Coordination, communication, and documentation

How long is a physical therapy evaluation and treatment session?

At Thrive, Inc, Initial evaluations are 60 minute and treatment sessions range from 30-60 minutes.

How long do I attend physical therapy?

It depends on several factors: severity of your injury, your dedication and active participation in doing your part, and some patients limit their amount of physical therapy when their insurance coverage is complete.  You are able to continue physical therapy services but the financial responsibility would be on your part.  Our goal is to not only to eliminate your pain but to empower you with information and knowledge so that you can take care of your body and reduce the likelihood of your pain returning.

What if I have an increase in symptoms?

If you have increased symptoms please call your physical therapist. When you call the office, please be sure you explain to the office staff that you are having an increase in symptoms and you would like to speak with your physical therapist.  Your physical therapist or covering therapist will give you a call back that same day.

What should I wear to my physical therapy appointments?

In general, wear comfortable clothing.   If you are presenting with a problem of your cervical spine, upper back or shoulders, a tank top or sports bra is recommended. Shorts are recommended for spine, hip, knee, or foot problem.  Please bring your own clothing if you would like or you may use clothing that we provide.

What if I need to return to physical therapy?

If you are discharged from physical therapy and feel the need to return, you should contact the physical therapist who treated you. He or she will consult with you to determine a course of action.

Should I ask my doctor about physical therapy?

Absolutely.  We recommend inquiring about any conditions that could benefit from physical therapy with your physician.  You may also call us to discuss your problem and potential benefits of our services.

To schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, please call our office at 804-320-2220 or use our online Request an Appointment form. For additional information on any condition, treatment or procedure.