Why should I see a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system. If possible see a therapist before you have pain or physical dysfunction. Therapists have the knowledge and skills to evaluate you from head to toe. They will spend more time with you listening and examining you than any other health care provider. The time and money that you invest in physical therapy can pay off tremendously in health benefits, financially- often avoiding the need for expensive tests, and preserving your independence.
What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit you can expect the following:
- Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website – see the paperwork or forms link) or come in 15 minutes early to fill it out.
- We will copy your insurance card and photo ID.
- You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
- The therapist will discuss the following:
- Your medical history.
- Your current problems/complaints.
- Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
- How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
- Your goals with physical therapy.
- Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
Does my insurance cover Physical and Occupational Therapy?
Most insurances cover therapy. We are always happy to find out what your benefits are. Some insurances limit the number of visits per year. Before we see if we can verify and inform you of what your insurance allows and if there are any out of pocket costs to you.
My doctor has referred me to a different facility. Can I still come to Rue & Primavera?
In most cases it is your choice to see the therapist that you want. Rue & Primavera are preferred therapists for many insurances including: Regence, Group Health, Tricare, Medicare, Uniform Medical, First Choice, United heathcare and many others. Feel free to call us with any questions.
Why would I choose Rue & Primavera over other facilities in the area?
Compassion, Empathy and knowledge. Thomas and Wendolyn, a husband and wife team, want you to feel better, move better and live life to the fullest. We will be sensitive to your individual needs and goals. Your appointments will not be hurried. We have been therapists for 20 years, and our experience and passion for continuing education will give you evidence-based treatments. We listen to you and treat holistically. You are not a “foot patient” or a “”shoulder patient,” you are a whole patient.
If you do not see YOUR question addressed here, please contact us below and we will be sure to answer you.
What should I wear to my therapy appointment?
You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.
What is cold laser therapy?
Introduction to Low-Level Laser Therapy (“LLLT”) Technology
Medical researchers began using laser biostimulation in the late 1960’s with low-powered laser beams that produced non-thermal effects on human tissue. The first reported cases involved slow-healing ulcers. The efficacy of this low-level laser therapy, or “LLLT,” is substantiated by objective research that continues (See “Studies”).
Laser wavelengths between 820 nanometers (nm) and 840 nm have an extremely low absorption rates in human tissue. This means that laser light penetrates deeply at those frequencies.
Experimenting clinicians found that an 830 nm laser is optimal for treating chronic pain. An example of how LLLT works involves soft tissue trauma. These types of injuries consist of damage to the deep, sensitive layers of tissue beneath the epidermis, including muscular, neural, lymphatic, and vascular tissue.
The human body normally reacts to this soft tissue trauma by “splinting” the injury with edema, a thin or watery fluid in tissue spaces or cell interstices. However, excess edema causes swelling that inhibits movement of the damaged tissue.
These injuries result in two types of pain. The first is actual traumatic pain from the injury itself, and the second pain is from the swelling that results. LLLT focuses first on the lymphatic system which maintains the body’s fluid balance, while the laser light also helps absorb the excess edema. LLLT thus provides relief in two ways.
MicroLight has FDA clearance for devices under both the “NHN” and “ILY” classifications.The MicroLight ML830® was cleared by the FDA for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. (See “About Us”). This clearance followed a double-blind study on CTS that was conducted at General Motors.
-Microlight Corporation of America
Why is therapy a good choice?
More than half of all Americans are suffering from pain. Whether it is a recent episode or chronic, an ABC News/Stanford study revealed that pain in America is a serious problem. However, many do not even know that physical therapists are well equipped to not only treat pain but also its source. Physical therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.
Is therapy painful?
For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance.
In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.