If you suffer from pain, then a physical therapist may be able to help. In 2020 alone, 1,412 physical therapist licenses were issued in New York State. With that many professionals available, how do you find the right one to address your specific needs? Here are 10 things you should know that can help you find the practice that will equip you to pursue your best possible life.
1. You do not need a referral to see a physical therapist
Not only do you not need to see your doctor before you go to a physical therapist, but going directly to a PT can save you a lot of money –taking acaveat emptorapproach to pain cansave you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In New York,Direct Access law allows you up to 10 visits over a 30-day period with a physical therapist who
- Possesses an NYS physical therapy license
- Has at least 3 years of experience
If you need additional treatment or require the attention of another medical professional, your physical therapist can give you the appropriate informationabout what you need, and even direct you to the proper medical teams.
If you are in pain, save time and money by contacting a PT first. You may be surprised at how much they can do toimprove your quality of lifewithout the time and expense of getting a doctor’s referral first.
2. Many insurances cover physical therapy
Sometimes, patients put off physical therapy because of concerns about cost. The good news is that most insurance plans include coverage for physical therapy.
Here at In Touch NYC, we can help you to understand your insurance benefitsand confirm coverage before your first appointment.
Knowing what to expect financially can help you to feel more confident coming in for treatment, and make healing from the inside out less stressful.
3. Physical therapy is about healing, not pain
Sometimes, patients avoid physical therapy because they worry that physical therapy will cause them more pain than they are already experiencing. The reality, however, is that physical therapy is about relieving pain and improving your quality of life, not increasing the pain you already have. Here atIn Touch NYC, our physical therapists are equipped to help you manage your pain. They can tailor your treatment plan to your needs, including your pain levels, as well as providestrategies and treatments to alleviate pain. As a result, while discomfort may be part of therehabilitation experience, you should enjoy long-term pain relief and a return to your best possible life with consistent treatment by a compassionate and skilled professional.4. You need to find a licensed physical therapist
You can expect the best results (and enjoy referral-free access to physical therapy) when you schedule visits with a licensed and experienced physical therapist. When seeking a physical therapist to treat your pain or chronic condition, look for someone who meets NYS PT criteria:- Graduation from a recognized PT program
- Official licensure as a physical therapist
- Years of experience (3 or more)
5. You should look for a physical therapist with up-to-date equipment and techniques
An experienced and licensed physical therapist should also be well-equipped to help you heal. A PT office with just basic equipment may not have the tools necessary to help you maximize your health and your quality of life. Instead, make sure that the PT office you use is equipped with up-to-date machines, methodologies, and facilities. The more they can offer you, the easier it will be for them to tailor treatment to your unique needs. Here at In Touch NYC, we provide top-of-the-line therapies in our modern facilities. In addition, we offer the power of pilates andfitness training to help patients access the treatment they need to heal.6. Choose a physical therapist with the right specialty
Physical therapy has specialties just like many other areas of the medical field do. An oncology specialist, for example, is often different from someone who specializes in treating a sports injury, or someone who specializes in orthopedics. Before you settle on a physical therapist, make sure that their specialities match up with your needs. Here at In Touch NYC, for example, our skilled therapists specialize in many different areas. As a result, our teams can provide you with the specialized treatment you need to get back to optimal health.7. Look for flexible appointment times
Busy schedules can make it difficult to fit in physical therapy. You need a physical therapist who makes it easy to find appointment times that fit with your schedule. Many PT offices will provide flexible schedules that allow you to see them:- In the morning
- Later in the afternoon or evening
- On weekends
8. Physical therapy is safe and effective
Some patients worry that physical therapy will worsen their symptoms. The reality, however, is that physical therapy is safe and effective. That is why it is often the first treatment for pain and chronic conditions: It is non-invasive, but highly effective at strengthening your body and restoring your health. With the right physical therapist, it will be easier for you to receive the treatment you need and deserve to pursue your healthiest possible life.