PHYSICAL THERAPY and HOME EXERCISES

HOW CAN THERAPY HELP ME GET BETTER?

  • Therapy increases muscle flexibility and strength reducing the risk of injury.
  • Therapists can show you how to move without triggering painful spasms.
  • Therapy promotes healing by increasing blood flow and nutrition to the injured site.

HOW CAN A SKILLED PHYSICAL THERAPY PROFESSIONAL HELP MAXIMIZE MY RECOVERY?

Variety of Techniques for Pain Relief

  • Active exercise which has proven to be beneficial for relief of spine-related pain.
  • Passive modalities such as ice or heat packs, ultrasound, and electrical muscle stimulation.
  • Manual therapy techniques such as traction, spinal mobilization, and manipulation.

CAN'T I JUST DO THE EXERCISES ON MY OWN?

Individualized Exercise Program

  • A well-trained physical therapist will develop a customized exercise program. The exercise program's pace, specific exercises, and frequency will vary depending on the condition and the individual's needs.

Proper Exercise Technique

  • Exercises are only effective in done properly. A physical therapist will instruct a patient on the proper technique for performing each exercise in the individualized exercise program.

DOCUMENTATION OF SIX WEEKS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENT OR FAILURE TO IMPROVE IS REQUIRED BY INSURANCE BEFORE THEY WILL APPROVE INJECTIONS OR SURGERY

  • If you are considering an epidural steroid injection (ESI) or spine surgery please know that your insurance company will likely deny your surgery or ESI if there is not documentation of at least six weeks of supervised physical therapy in the last year.
  • If you have tried physical therapy and have not benefited from it or it has made your condition worse, please ask your physical therapist to document this in their notes.
  • Lastly, if you have had physical therapy in the past please be sure to have your notes faxed to our office at 404-531-8632. This helps our office to better treat you and to get you schedule for surgery or other procedures in a timely manner.