FAQ
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What should I expect during physical therapy sessions?
Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.
Can I see a physical therapist without a referral in Bedford, TX?
Yes, Texas allows you to see a physical therapist without a referral under Direct Access laws. However, treatment is limited to 10 business days without a referral, or up to 15 days in certain circumstances. After that, we’ll need a prescription from a physician, dentist, or chiropractor to continue your care. We can help guide you through this process to ensure you receive the care you need. Feel free to contact us for more information or assistance!
What do I need to wear or bring with me?
You should dress in comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily and doesn’t restrict circulation. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may also recommend special shoes or a brace. You should also bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.
Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?
Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain or dizziness medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physical therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.
How long will my physical therapy sessions last?
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.
Are there any exercises I can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?
Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.
What if I have questions after my physical therapy session?
Your physical therapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!
Will insurance cover my physical therapy?
Coverage for physical therapy depends on your specific insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs, but it’s important to verify your benefits with your provider to understand what is covered and any out-of-pocket fees. Please note, we do not accept Medicaid. If you have any questions or need help understanding your coverage, feel free to reach out, and we’ll be happy to assist!
How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?
The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.
How long will it take for me to see results?
Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!
Will my physical therapist be able to answer any questions I have about my condition?
Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.
What if I feel too much pain during a session?
If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you.
How will I know when I no longer need physical therapy?
Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation that helps individuals recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. It involves manual therapy, individualized exercise programs, stretches, and other techniques to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function. We work together with you to return to school, return to work, or return to recreation and improve your quality of life.
What can I expect from physical therapy?
You will receive one-on-one, individualized care from a licensed physical therapist that is focused on helping you restore mobility, regain control of your body, and most importantly, help you achieve your goals and help you return to activities you love to do!
What types of people do you help?
We have experience in working with people ages 8 and older, but we are specialized in working with veterans and first responders looking to live active and healthy lifestyles free of painkillers, avoiding unnecessary surgeries, and improve their quality of life.
I’ve been to a chiropractor, massage therapist, and personal trainer. What makes PT different?
We have great respect for chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and personal trainers. In fact, we successfully collaborate with many of those professionals. Bortnick Therapy Enterprises is different, because we use a holistic screening and problem-solving based approach to our treatment philosophy. Chiropractors may be excellent at adjusting or cracking joints, but if your problem is related to a soft tissue, nerve, or movement problems, the adjustment may not be enough to create permanent gains. Trainers can design a ‘kick your butt’ workout, but do not have the medical training necessary to spot or modify exercise properly around an injury. Massage therapists have great knowledge and techniques to release stiffness in muscle, but do not have the doctoral medical knowledge in diagnosing and assessing injury. Therapists at Bortnick Therapy Enterprises, on the other hand will actively LISTEN to identify the right tools, techniques, or exercises needed to give you the best shot at achieving your goals.
I’ve been told that therapy won’t work for me due to this being an old injury, is this true?
FALSE! We have worked, successfully with people all the way into their 90’s! Realistic goals and expectations are just as important factors to rehab potential as age or date of injury. Anyone with motivation has potential to improve. One of my patients sustained his concussion in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2014. He started his concussion therapy here in March ’24. From waking up every night and having extreme difficulty driving, he now sleeps through the night and drives without symptoms. With a desire to be active, independent, and resilient, there is always a potential to improve.
After my concussion, my doctor told me to just rest, take some pills, and that PT may not help me. Is this true?
That is somewhat true. The research says that about 80% of folks recover from their concussion, and that relative rest for 48 hours is key. A gradual return to regular activities usually does not require skilled therapy. The 20% who do have residual symptoms after 2-4 weeks may benefit from medications for headache or sleep as well as a physical therapy evaluation to diagnose and treat any functional impairments that linger. We use techniques such as visual-vestibular reintegration exercises, nasal release to restore the airway, vestibular therapy to recalibrate the inner ear, advanced craniofacial manual therapy, and cardiovascular conditioning to restore function.
I am 85 years old. I fell and hit my head giving me dizziness and unsteadiness. Is physical therapy safe?
Physical therapy is a very safe and effective treatment for dizziness and imbalance following falls and head injuries. Many people will develop vestibular dysfunction after a fall; a poorly functioning inner ear which sends signals to the brain that the body is moving when it is not. This is what produces feelings of dizziness and unsteadiness. Vestibular therapy done with a physical therapist will help improve those faulty inner ear signals to reduce these symptoms and prevent future falls. Your sessions will be 1 on 1 with a trained physical therapist to ensure you stay safe during therapy at all times.