Question 1

What is physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy is a healthcare service designed to help people reduce pain, restore movement, improve strength, and recover from injuries or surgery. Licensed physical therapists use personalized treatment plans that may include hands-on therapy, therapeutic exercises, stretching, balance training, and education to help patients return to their daily activities safely.
Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to improve mobility, physical therapy focuses on treating the root cause of the problem rather than simply masking symptoms.

Question 2

What conditions can physical therapy treat?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy can help treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including:
Back and neck pain
Shoulder pain
Knee pain
Hip pain
Arthritis
Sciatica
Sports injuries
Sprains and strains
Balance disorders
Post-surgical recovery
Tendonitis
Joint pain
Work-related injuries
Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals.

Question 3

How long does physical therapy take?

Accepted Answer

Every patient's recovery timeline is different. Some people achieve their goals in just a few weeks, while others with more complex injuries or post-surgical rehabilitation may require several months of treatment.
Your physical therapist will regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to help you recover as efficiently as possible.

Question 4

How long is my initial office visit?

Accepted Answer

Set aside about one hour for your initial visit. Intake forms will be sent to your email at the time of registration for services. If you are having trouble with the online forms, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment so that we can assist you.

Question 5

What do I wear to my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the injured area to be evaluated. For example, if you're coming to us for a hip or knee injury, it's best to wear shorts.

Question 6

What do I need to bring to my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Please bring your insurance card, a prescription (if you have one) from your doctor, and any medical reports pertaining to your condition. You do not need to bring the actual X-ray or MRI films – the doctor's typed report is sufficient. Please note, you may be responsible for a co-payment for physical therapy services. Per our contract with your insurance company, this co-payment is due at the time of service for each visit with us. Check with your insurance carrier if you have questions about this. Our front desk specialist will also be there for you as a resource to answer questions.

Question 7

How long is a typical Physical Therapy (PT) treatment?

Accepted Answer

This varies on the treatment plan established by your physical therapist. This will be clearly discussed with you on your evaluation day, and then again as your treatment progresses. Treatments generally take between 30 and 60 minutes.

Question 8

How is the treatment program decided?

Accepted Answer

This is based on many pieces of information that your PT will decide upon during your initial visit, then re-evaluate as your treatment progresses. We work with you to develop a plan to help achieve the mutual goals set by both you and your therapist.

Question 9

Does Physical Therapy (PT) always work?

Accepted Answer

Physical Therapy is the treatment of choice for most orthopedic conditions that are not clear cut surgical conditions and the research is rapidly growing to support this treatment option. But there is no guarantee that you will recover 100%. Factors such as healing capabilities and how long you've been injured play a role in outcome expectations. At BPT Physical Therapy, we feel just about everyone who seeks us out for help has some level of capability to improve with their pain management and/or function. BPT Physical Therapy takes great pride in training its clinicians to "manage" the person and to be an advocate for you so, in the event physical therapy is not working for you, your therapist will advocate for the best option to help you find relief. We are here to help you in any way we can!

Question 10

Will I understand all the medical information?

Accepted Answer

Yes, effective communication is integral to any successful BPT treatment. If you ever feel that you are not actively involved in your treatment, or that you do not understand your PT treatment plan, please address this with your physical therapist.
Will my doctor be informed of what is going on?
BPT is committed to timely and clear communication to your referring clinician. We send out an initial evaluation report and then send timely progress reports with you when you have follow up visits to your physician. We value the importance of a team approach.

Question 11

How will we know when treatment is completed?

Accepted Answer

You are ready for discharge once you've completed your pre-established therapy goals. As you get closer to these goals, you and your therapist will be establishing a discharge plan that enables you to manage your condition at home. Your therapist will then summarize all of the discharge information and send a report to your referring physician.

Question 12

What’s the difference between a referral and a prescription for physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

A referral is an authorization from your Primary Care Physician (PCP) referring you to an in-network specialist. Most HMO’s require a referral. A prescription is the written order for physical therapy from the referring Doctor. Please check with your insurance carrier to find out if you need a doctor’s referral or if your physical therapy prescription will satisfy your insurance plan’s requirements.

Question 13

What is my financial responsibility if I come to physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be required to provide a co-payment to us at the time of service. Your plan may also have a deductible or be supplemented by co-insurance.

Question 14

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Conservative treatment through physical therapy can successfully manage conditions such as tendon injuries, arthritis, rotator cuff problems, meniscus injuries, and chronic back pain.
While surgery may still be necessary for certain conditions, many patients experience significant improvement through physical therapy alone or delay the need for surgery.

Question 15

Does physical therapy hurt?

Accepted Answer

Some discomfort is normal, especially when recovering from an injury or surgery. However, physical therapy should not cause severe or lasting pain.
Your therapist will carefully adjust your treatment based on your comfort level while challenging your body enough to promote healing and recovery.

Motor Vehicle Injuries	Work Injuries	Sports Injuries
Lower Back Injuries	Neck Pain	Rotator Cuff Injury
Meniscus Injury	Post Surgical Injuries	Post Stroke Rehabilitation
ACL Repair	Carpal Tunnel Syndrome	Bicep Repair
Tendonitis	Fractures	Sprains & Strains
Gait & Balance Disorders	Whiplash	Sciatica

Treatments & FAQ

Motor Vehicle Injuries

Work Injuries

Sports Injuries

Lower Back Injuries

Neck Pain

Rotator Cuff Injury

Meniscus Injury

Post Surgical Injuries

Post Stroke Rehabilitation

ACL Repair

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Bicep Repair

Tendonitis

Fractures

Sprains & Strains

Gait & Balance Disorders

Whiplash

Sciatica

...and much more!

Frequently Asked Questions