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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I see a physical therapist without a Doctor's order?
    A physical therapist can evaluate you without a Doctor's order, but cannot treat you, according to Oklahoma law.
     
  2. Can I choose any physical therapy clinic?
    Yes, you have the right to go where you want to for physical therapy.  There are some insurance companies that dictate where they will pay for services, but neither the insurance company nor doctor can tell you where you have to go.
     

  1. Can I consult with a physical therapist before I begin treatment?
    Yes, a therapist would be happy to talk to you first.  They can give you some information, but will be better equipped to consult with you after a thorough evaluation.  After the evaluation, their findings will be discussed with you in detail. They should then be able to answer all of the questions that you might have that fall within the scope of physical therapy.
     
  2. Is it true “no pain, no gain”?
    This is definitely not true in most cases.  This is not to say that there will be no pain.  However, in most cases, pain is a sign that there are abnormal forces on body parts and that the exercise/activity needs to be modified to make the gains needed while providing the right stimulus to improve the health of the injured part/tissue.
     
  3. Will I be given a home program?
    Most every patient receives a home exercise program and/or recommendations for modification of activities to promote improved health of the involved parts.
     
  1. How long is each individual treatment?
    Although most treatment sessions are 60 minutes, they can range from 30 to 90 minutes.
     
  1. Will I be seen by a licensed physical therapist?
    You will be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist and usually seen each visit by that same therapist.  Should your therapist be ill or on vacation, you may be seen by another therapist.
     
  1. Will I receive one on one treatment?
    Most definitely.  There are some aspects of some treatment programs that will be performed on exercise equipment.  All exercises on such equipment will be supervised at all times. 
     
  1. Do you provide pool therapy?
    We do not have a pool.  We do have the Newton unloading device that allows for exercise of the lower spine and lower extremity joints with decreased load (dialed-in to the pound) that is similar to exercising in the pool.  In fact, using the Newton, our therapists can unload up to 120 pounds from a patient’s body weight. This allows the patient to complete a high number of challenging and meaningful repetitions without experiencing pain.
     
  2. Do you treat Fibromyalgia?
    Most definitely.
     

  3. Our bodies are  living metabolizing biologic tissues that given optimal conditions can heal. Why go to a physical therapist and what can I expect?
    First,  not all physical therapists treat in the same way.  Our goal is to help your body heal by giving you an optimal healing environment.  That sounds great but what does it really mean.   Patients typically arrive here after months sometimes years of being frustrated by something that just won't heal.  Initially, we want to make sure the problem you are having is musculoskeletal and within our realm of treatment. 

    Musculoskeletal tissues include muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage and nerve.  All of these tissues respond to different stimuli for healing.   The problems we see most involve people who do not know 1) what tissues exactly are the problem, 2)how to exercise or stimulate a healing response, 3) how to prevent constant reinjuring through daily acitvities.

    When we are listening to you give your story we are like detectives putting all the pieces together to identify the most likely suspect.   We form a few hypotheses of what we think the problem is and then test our hypotheses with a physical exam.  A typical physical  exam  includes observation of posture and movement, palpation, strength and sensation tests, and tests for specific provocation to narrow down the suspects.  

    Sometimes the problem is obvious but what to do about it is not.   Again, we screen for any complicating factors specific to you then help you develop the best plan of action.  This plan includes finding the appropriate healing stimulus  or “exercise”, pain relieving or modifying techniques, and modifications of positions and activities.
     

  4. Who needs orthotics?
    Custom orthotics are great for patients who want to obtain the optimal biomechanical alignment of the feet and ankles, improve muscle balance in the lower extremities, and reduce abnormal stress to the joints of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and spine.  Often, the alignment of the foot is a major contributor to this “malalignment,” even if there is no complaint of foot pain.
     

  5. How are orthotics made?
    To receive orthotics, you must first undergo a thorough biomechanical evaluation which includes an assessment of your posture, joint ROM and mechanics, and myofascial flexibility.  Your feet are then casted in supine from subtalar neutral position.  Molds of your feet are made from these casts, and the orthotics are made from these molds.

    You will return for a follow-up visit within 2-3 weeks to be fitted with the orthotics and instructed on how to break them in appropriately.  Three weeks later (or sooner if needed), another visit or telephone conversation is scheduled to assess your tolerance and benefit.
     

  6. What are orthotics made of?
    Depending on your body weight and degree of correction desired, orthotics are usually made of semi-rigid to rigid materials.  These are durable materials that should not crack or deteriorate under normal conditions.  Accommodative, semi-flexible orthotics (although not as durable as the semi-rigid to rigid orthotics) are sometimes indicated for the diabetic foot or for the foot that lacks the ability to tolerate optimal correction.

    For semi-rigid to rigid orthotics, a variety of top covers are used for comfort and shock absorption.  Over time, however, these coverings will wear and may need to be replaced.
     

  7. How much do orthotics cost?
    The cost of orthotics is approximately $350.00 per pair. 

    Nonetheless, buying them off the shelf at a retail store instead of getting them custom made at PTC could cost you up to 50% more.