Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Physical Therapist?

• Does my insurance cover treatments at Utica Physical Therapy?

• Will it take a long time to get an appointment?

• Does Physical Therapy hurt?

What is a Physical Therapist?

        Physical Therapists are health care providers who are experts in the examination and treatment o problems that affect peoples' abilities to move and function as well as they can in their daily lives. For instance, physical therapists help patients  with orthopedic problems such as low back pain or knee surgeries to reduce pain and regain function. To assist patients recovering from a stroke, they provide treatment so that those patients learn to use their limbs again.

    Movement and Function

The ability to stand or sit upright and to move your arms and legs without difficulty or pain is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with medical conditions but only if we can continue at our jobs, take care of our families, and enjoy important occasions with family and friends.

For some, the ability to move isn't merely a matter of walking or handling objects. Cardiac and pulmonary problems may interfere with the body's ability to use oxygen, the "fuel" of muscles and movement.

Because people of all ages need to move and function, physical therapists work with patients  and clients from newborns to the very aged - and in all types of settings, from hospitals (even critically ill patients in the intensive care unit) and outpatient clinics to the home, from schools to the workplace.

Physical Therapists don't confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist's program is directed at preventing injury and loss of movement. For example, physical therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve workplace design to reduce the risk of overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain.

They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventative exercise programs. Some physical therapists consult with individuals and fitness clubs to develop workouts that are safe and effective, especially for people who already know they have a problem with their joints or their backs.

Skilled Professionals

Because physical  therapists are required to understand a vast array of problems that can affect movement, function, and health, all physical therapists are college graduates. In fact, all current physical therapist education programs graduate students with a master's degree, and many schools offer a clinical doctorate (DPT) in physical therapy. Also, all physical therapists must pass a national examination and be licensed by the state in which they practice. Some physical therapists seek advanced certification in a clinical specialty, such as orthopedic, neurologic, cardiovascular and pulmonary, pediatric, geriatric, sports physical therapy, or electrophysiological testing and measurement.

The cornerstones of physical therapist treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition  to "hands-on" care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists also may "manipulate" a joint (that is, perform certain types of manual therapy to change joint movement) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists use such techniques as electrotherapy, ultrasound (high frequency waves that produce heat), hot packs and ice. Although other types of practitioners offer some of these treatments as "physical therapy", it is important to know that physical therapy can be provided only by qualified physical therapists or by physical therapist assistants. The latter must complete a 2 year college education program and may only work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Health insurance covers most forms of physical therapy, but coverage varies with each plan. Some people choose to pay for physical therapy directly, even if their policy does not cover their program, or if their benefits have run out. This practice is growing, as the majority of states do not legally require a physician's referral for you to see a physical therapist. To find out if your state permits "direct access" to physical therapist services, visit the the American Physical Therapy Association's web site at www.APTA.org.

Finding a Physical Therapist

You can find a physical therapist who's right for you the same way you might find the right doctor or dentist: through recommendations from family or friends, or by checking telephone listings and doing your own research. One factor to consider is that physical therapists (and their physical therapist assistants) who are members of the American Physical Therapy Association are bound by the Association's Code of Ethics and are especially committed to providing competent and compassionate care. Be aware that even if your state requires physician's referral for physical therapy, you always have the right to see the physical therapist of your choice.

Does my insurance cover my treatments at Utica Physical Therapy?

Utica Physical Therapy, Neala Harper, RPT, and R. Todd Petty, RPT, are contracted with Medicare and most managed care insurance plans. As a courtesy to our patients and their referring physicians, we verify insurance benefits and arrange affordable payment plans for co-pays and deductibles, when necessary. We also take care of acquiring treatment authorizations when applicable.

Currently, we work with:

Will it take a long time to get an appointment?

Does physical therapy hurt?

The saying "no pain, no gain" has really put the idea that treatments have to hurt to be effective. In some cases, some treatments may be uncomfortable, but the staff at Utica Physical Therapy will do their best not to cause undue distress to you on any level. Understand, with some treatments, progress takes commitment on the part of the physical therapist and the client, and patience.  We would all like to believe that recovery from any injury will be quick and painless, but returning you to your pre-issue fitness level may take some time and may be a bit of a task. What we can guarantee is that everyone at Utica Physical Therapy will listen to you, will respect your boundaries, and will help you achieve your goals with as little discomfort as possible.