FAQ's
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapists provide services to patients/clients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease, or other causes.
Physical Therapy focuses primarily, but not solely, on pain relief, promoting healing, and restoring function. Other areas that are focused upon within Physical Therapy are ergonomic (body mechanic) training, fitness/wellness, and education.
How can physical therapy help me?
A Physical Therapist can evaluate your condition and identify the source of your discomfort or dysfunction. Once evaluated, the Therapist can develop a treatment program that will usually involve some form of manual therapy and exercise, as well as modalities if they are needed to treat the problem areas. You will also receive instruction in a home exercise program as well as education on proper body mechanics and posture to prevent re-injury.
What will I have to do in therapy?
Therapy generally encompasses pain relieving techniques and modalities, strength and flexibility training, regaining movement or range of motion, improving and correcting posture, endurance training, relaxation and stress relieving techniques, balance and coordination training, transfer training, gait training, education, safety awareness and development/implementation of a home exercise program.
Does insurance cover Physical Therapy?
Medical insurance generally covers physical therapy treatment. You can check with your insurance carrier to determine your coverage. Or if you prefer, you can call us and our staff will be glad to assist you in determining your benefits.
If we are not "in-network" with your specific insurance carrier, do not worry. Your insurance carrier may offer "out-of-network" benefits, which means we can treat you at a lower reimbursement rate. In almost all cases, "out-of-network" benefits also translate to higher deductibles or co-payments for the patient.
Do not let a high deductible or co-payment discourage you from attending physical therapy at our facility. Benchmark Physical Therapy is prepared to work with you to make our services affordable and convenient.
If we are not "in-network" with your specific insurance carrier, do not worry. Your insurance carrier may offer "out-of-network" benefits, which means we can treat you at a lower reimbursement rate. In almost all cases, "out-of-network" benefits also translate to higher deductibles or co-payments for the patient.
Do not let a high deductible or co-payment discourage you from attending physical therapy at our facility. Benchmark Physical Therapy is prepared to work with you to make our services affordable and convenient.
What do I need to get started?
A Physical Therapist may evaluate and treat an individual without a prescription for up to two weeks.
Texas law requires that a patient get a prescription from a Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Dentist, Podiatrist, Physician Assistant, or Chiropractor in order to continue physical therapy treatment beyond two weeks.
Contact us today and we can get started. We will need your name, insurance information, and whether your injury is work-related or not. After we have confirmed that we are contracted with your insurance or WC carrier, often we can see you within 24 hours or the same business day.
Contact us today and we can get started. We will need your name, insurance information, and whether your injury is work-related or not. After we have confirmed that we are contracted with your insurance or WC carrier, often we can see you within 24 hours or the same business day.
Can I get physical therapy without a Doctor's referral?
As of 2019, Physical Therapists in Texas can treat patients for up to two weeks without a referral.
Beyond two weeks, a prescription from a Physician is required. This is to give the Physician an opportunity to determine if diagnostic tests are necessary or if you need to be sent to a Specialist.
Keep in mind that some insurance plans may not cover physical therapy without a referral.
Keep in mind that some insurance plans may not cover physical therapy without a referral.
How long is it going to take?
Your Physical Therapist is aware that rehabilitation can be an imposition. Because each person is different, rates of progression can also vary. We typically schedule two to three 60-90 min. sessions per week. And can usually get an idea of your progression within two weeks.
How do I know if I or someone I know needs physical therapy?
If two or more of the following questions are answered YES, you can benefit from a Physical Therapy Evaluation:
-While walking around the house, do you need to hold onto furniture or walls?
-Do you lose your balance when getting up or sitting down or need help getting up?
-Are you experiencing pain in your back and gluteal region (buttocks)?
-Are you insecure or unsafe when standing/walking?
-Do your knees feel like buckling when you walk?
-Have you had a recent joint or tendon surgery?
-Do you have a neurological disorder? (i.e. Parkinson's)
If you determine, based on the above criteria, that you need a Physical Therapy evaluation, simply give us a call. You'll never need a Doctor's prescription to receive a PT Evaluation.
As of 2019, Texas Physical Therapists can also treat patients for up to two weeks without a Doctor's order.
Cracking and popping in joints. What is this?
Popping, clicking, and snapping are different. If you’re not properly warmed up and hear a crack on the first couple of movement repetitions, sometimes that’s gas released from the joint, an action called cavitation, similar to when knuckles are cracked.
Resistance exercises can release gas from the shoulder and other joints. If you’re doing reps and you hear a cracking/snapping on every rep, usually a muscle is tight, rubbing, and causing friction around the bone. In that situation, stretch first, resume the same technique, and the snapping should decrease or be almost non-existent.
A snapping, popping, or other annoyance that starts to radiate, say from the shoulder to the neck or through the arm, maybe a pulled/torn muscle. A snap or crack in the shoulder can also mean the bones could be rubbing on themselves, which could be a developing arthritic condition or a loose joint creating a “grating” sound.
Resistance exercises can release gas from the shoulder and other joints. If you’re doing reps and you hear a cracking/snapping on every rep, usually a muscle is tight, rubbing, and causing friction around the bone. In that situation, stretch first, resume the same technique, and the snapping should decrease or be almost non-existent.
A snapping, popping, or other annoyance that starts to radiate, say from the shoulder to the neck or through the arm, maybe a pulled/torn muscle. A snap or crack in the shoulder can also mean the bones could be rubbing on themselves, which could be a developing arthritic condition or a loose joint creating a “grating” sound.
What will I do on my first visit?
Please plan on coming 15 minutes before the start of your appointment to complete your new patient paperwork which includes information about your injury, current function and pain scale. Bring your prescription and insurance card (if applicable) and wear comfortable clothes.
You will be evaluated by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy which will include time for your Therapist to get to know you so that he may better understand your injury. Each patient's situation is unique and your plan of care will be set up just for you. For future visits, we ask that you schedule two weeks out and let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment
You will be evaluated by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy which will include time for your Therapist to get to know you so that he may better understand your injury. Each patient's situation is unique and your plan of care will be set up just for you. For future visits, we ask that you schedule two weeks out and let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment
I had physical therapy a year ago. I'm now having the same problem. Do I still need to see a Doctor?
Yes. However, if it is the exact same complaint and you are otherwise in good health, you can call your Physician's office and request a referral. This saves you time and money.
Physical Therapists are trained in differential diagnosis and can rule out any other contributing factors that would warrant a trip back to your Physician.
What can a physical therapy program do for me that I cannot do on my own?
Many individuals may think that they know how to properly exercise, manage their pain and rehabilitate themselves.
Common explanations from individuals for why they do not need therapy include: "I have had this before and I know what works for me" or "I know what is causing this because my neighbor had the same thing so I will just do what he did".
A Physical Therapy program can provide numerous benefits that you cannot achieve on your own. Physical Therapists are highly trained and have extensive knowledge of proper rehabilitation techniques, body types, unique patterns of movement, different alignments, and different habits. They also have a deep understanding of various modalities that can be used to treat different injuries and conditions. By working with a Physical Therapist, you can receive a comprehensive evaluation of your condition or injury, including an assessment of any underlying factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Based on this evaluation, your Physical Therapist can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. One of the biggest advantages of working with a Physical Therapist is the ability to receive personalized guidance and support throughout your rehabilitation journey. Your therapist can monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide feedback and encouragement to help you stay motivated and on track. Additionally, your Physical Therapist can teach you proper techniques for exercises and stretches, ensuring that you are performing them correctly and safely. They can also provide you with education on how to maintain proper posture and alignment, which can help prevent future injuries or issues.
A Physical Therapy program can provide numerous benefits that you cannot achieve on your own. Physical Therapists are highly trained and have extensive knowledge of proper rehabilitation techniques, body types, unique patterns of movement, different alignments, and different habits. They also have a deep understanding of various modalities that can be used to treat different injuries and conditions. By working with a Physical Therapist, you can receive a comprehensive evaluation of your condition or injury, including an assessment of any underlying factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Based on this evaluation, your Physical Therapist can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. One of the biggest advantages of working with a Physical Therapist is the ability to receive personalized guidance and support throughout your rehabilitation journey. Your therapist can monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide feedback and encouragement to help you stay motivated and on track. Additionally, your Physical Therapist can teach you proper techniques for exercises and stretches, ensuring that you are performing them correctly and safely. They can also provide you with education on how to maintain proper posture and alignment, which can help prevent future injuries or issues.
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