Yes, if you want to get over your current problem, as well as prevent or limit further issues with your condition. Although many conditions can improve with time, many people have limited function and prolonged or recurrent pain. This results in reduced function and altered lifestyles. Certain muscles weaken (atrophy) and others become overused. This imbalance results in more strain upon the already compromised areas creating a vicious cycle that must be stopped in order to restore normal function. Our therapy consists of many things including purposeful strengthening and ‘reprogramming’ of muscles. We use our hands to evaluate, monitor and treat muscle tone and alignment issues. We use specialized machines and gravity based exercises to increase your control and endurance. We teach you the proper body mechanics when doing real-world activities, along with the “do’s and don’ts” of exercise – whether in the gym or on your bedroom floor – to help prevent further problems.
Yes! You have the right to choose where you would like to go. An order for physical therapy is good anywhere no matter the name that is on it and it is your right to go wherever you would like.
Injections can be very helpful, and a number of our physical therapy patients have had successful injections as part of their care. We often think of injections as a “reset button” where the “fire” in an angry joint or area surrounding an injured area is “cooled”. But we also strongly believe the duration of relief provided by injections is directly related to how well you “behave” afterwards. Physical therapy is essential for assuring you have all the strength and knowledge needed to better prolong the positive effects of injections.
We’ve observed that athletes and serious exercisers often are misinformed about what kinds of exercises are safe for their condition. A review of your current exercise regime is critical because it often reveals motions or forms that are biomechanically unsafe. Learning these insights is necessary to get (and stay) better even while continuing to exercise vigorously.
Most physical therapy clinics focus on relieving the acute (new onset) symptoms of intense pain and spasm, to quickly return you to regular activities. However, since research has shown that most pain is rooted in overuse and past injuries, you can expect another flare-up because the underlying condition has not been addressed. Our exercise-based rehab addresses these deeper problems with remedial strengthening and muscle reprogramming. We teach you home exercises and offer an on-site gym to allow you to get better and stay better.
Our patients receive one-on-one treatment with a member of the physical therapy staff for most of each therapy visit. This commitment to quality individual care is extremely uncommon in the physical therapy world. We recognize that patients need a lot of hands-on treatment and teaching, and that there are no shortcuts. Each patient is assigned a physical therapist and physical therapy assistant (team) so continuity of care is established.
Apprehension is the greatest limiter of physical performance. If you have been in pain for a long time, it is natural to question if your pain will increase upon starting an exercise program. Activating muscles that haven’t been used in a while will cause your body to protest a bit (especially in the first few weeks). Rest assured that it is our duty to listen to you and analyze your pain patterns to assure that nothing of alarm is happening as you progress through therapy.
The hardest task in caring for your condition is matching the right treatment to the condition. Chiropractic manipulations, acupuncture, massage therapy, surgery, injections, and physical therapy are reasonable treatments at particular times for certain conditions in different people. We focus on the entire picture to ensure you receive the proper interventions you need to get better and stay better.
If your condition/problem doesn’t get better with therapy, this may indicate your condition needs more investigation. We believe it is our responsibility to our patients to establish a diagnosis and refer appropriately if we are unable to help.
Insurance plans can vary regarding benefits related to physical therapy. Give us a call today and find out what your plan covers. We also have private pay options available.
Call us and let us work to get what you need! If an order is needed, we will do the groundwork to get you covered. Please be aware that some insurance plans may require pre-authorization before beginning treatment. Call us if you have questions.
Yes, but it takes a bit longer than you might think. We devote a significant amount of time teaching you proper form during exercise. Because some exercises look pretty “standard” to the untrained eye, it is extremely important to understand the slight variations that may aggravate/worsen an issue and learn how your body should feel while doing the exercises correctly.
At your first physical therapy visit (initial evaluation), we will work with you in establishing treatment goals that are measurable within certain time frames. The initial evaluation usually lasts about 60 minutes. The frequency of therapy will be discussed and decided between the patient and the therapist. The typical treatment frequency is once or twice a week until your goals are met. Before discharge, we will equip you with strategies and exercises that will help you self-manage your symptoms. Each treatment session is typically 45-60 minutes in duration.
Personal trainers do a great job of supervising exercise programs to develop and maintain overall strength and conditioning. But, they are not trained or credentialed to treat injuries and often do not understand the physiology and healing times associated with your injury. Physical Therapists, on the other hand, are trained in biomechanics, kinesiology and the science of injury repair. Their job is to analyze, treat and rehab your body when something is injured or hurt. They will also teach you the do’s and don’ts for your specific problem. Through this process you will be able to work with your physical therapist to modify your exercise program so you can stay well.
Taking care of health problems can be time consuming and inconvenient. Physical therapy is an investment to reduce your overall inconvenience by learning exercises, stretches and strategies to control, manage, and even heal your problem. Taking some time now can help you be more independent in the future. We are here to help you fix the current problem as well as prevent future problems.
Located in Athens and Lavonia, Georgia
