FAQ

Q: Do I need a prescription for physical therapy?
A: As of October 1, 2006 in Connecticut and December 1, 2006 in New York, patients will have direct access to physical therapy services. This means they will not have to see a physician first before seeing a therapist.

Q: Does the physical therapist stay with me through the entire treatment?
A: At Performance Physical Therapy we have a therapist stay with the patient throughout his or her treatment program. This ensures that the patient receives consistent care and constant reevaluation, enabling proper acceleration of the healing process.

Q: Typically, how long will it take to get better?
A: This depends on the injury and diagnosis; however, standard treatment for non- surgical conditions is four to six weeks.

Q: Are any of the therapists specialized?
A: Yes, some of our therapists are certified specialists in orthopedics and sports physical therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. They are trained to evaluate and treat an extensive range of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries for both the average individual and the professional athlete. We also have therapists who are certified strength and conditioning specialists through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This certification identifies individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for individuals.

Q: What clothes do I need to bring for treatment?
A: You should bring comfortable workout attire including sneakers. The area being treated will need to be accessible to the therapist.

Q: What happens at the initial examination?
A: The initial consultation consists of a thorough review of the patient’s medical history leading up to the injury. A comprehensive examination is performed, and includes the assessment of posture, joint mechanics, range of motion, strength, muscle integrity, and flexibility. Following the evaluation, we educate the patient about the injury and how the course of rehabilitation will proceed.

Q: Do you correspond with my referring doctor?
A: We pride ourselves on our open lines of communication with every referring physician. We send typewritten updates to each patient’s referring physician following the initial consultation, and we follow up with a progress letter every four to six weeks.

Q: How important are the home exercises?
A: Home exercises and patient education are key to a quick recovery. Consistent performance and repetition give you the opportunity to aid your own healing process.

Q: Do you take patients on time?
A: We realize how busy all of our patients’ lives are, so it is extremely important to be on time for your appointment to maximize the benefit of rehabilitation. All patients are seen on time for their appointments and we expect them to be ready for their session at the time of their scheduled appointment.

Q: Why do I need to come several times per week at the beginning?
A: It is important to get the body into a routine and this is optimally accomplished with a physical therapy frequency of two to three times per week. Our goal is to be as efficient as possible so you will quickly attain your 100% rehabilitation potential.