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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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1. What can physical therapists help me accomplish?
Physical therapists can help you improve your mobility and quality of life without the expense of surgery or side effects of pain medication. Physical therapists are also the health care professionals of choice for rehabilitation for orthopedic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary and many other conditions and injuries. |
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2. Are physical therapists doctors?
More and more physical therapists are graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. More than 92 percent of the more than 200 accredited academic institutions nationwide offering professional physical therapist education programs now offer the DPT degree - and more than 75 percent of all 2008 PT graduates hold a DPT degree. |
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3. How can a physical therapist help me?
Physical therapists are experts in the way the human body moves. They use treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They will also help you prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs to help you achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. |
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4. Can a physical therapist help to alleviate pain?
Yes, in many cases, a personal, comprehensive treatment plan by a physical therapist can help you reduce and/or eliminate pain. |
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5. Can a physical therapist help me avoid surgery?
Yes, many conditions can be successfully treated without expensive and painful surgery. Talk to your physical therapist to see what options are available to you. Surgery does not have to be your only course of action. |
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6. Are physical therapists covered by my health insurance?
In most cases, yes. Fort Lee Physical Therapy accepts most major health insurance plans including all PPO plans, Auto Insurance, and Medicare. Fort Lee Physical Therapy also has cash-pay options and we will try to work hard to accommodate everyone. Please call our office at 201-585-7300 if you have any further questions.
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7. What makes our facility different than other Physical Therapy clinics in the area?
At Fort Lee Physical therapy you will receive hands on treatment by a licensed physical therapist on every visit. We offer personalized care for every patient including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises and modalities with a high focus on patient education. |
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8. What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy refers to hands-on techniques used to help assess, diagnose and treat certain ailments. Manual physical therapy is a highly valued component of physical therapy at CBPT and is performed during one on one time with each patient for individualized attention. There are many different types of manual therapy techniques used at CBPT including osteopathic methods, Maitland, Kaltenborne, McKenzie etc. The type of manual therapy used is dependent on the training of the physical therapist and his/her assessment of what is the most beneficial for the patient. The physical therapists will also explain the purpose of each technique and are always open to any questions. |
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9. Soft Tissue Mobilization
This is designed to improve mobility to muscles, tendons and fascia as it relates to pain, posture and joint dysfunction. Specific techniques - such as massage, myofascial release and strain-counterstrain - are individualized to the patient's dysfunction. |
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10. Joint Mobilization
These are passive procedures where the therapist uses their hands to assess and treat altered mechanics of joint systems leading to dysfunctions. |
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11. Exercise Rehabilitation
Your therapist will supervise you in a dosed exercise program to match your tissue injury and/or movement dysfunction. Our specialized training and equipment allows for early rehabilitation of the most acute injuries. Dosed exercise progressions will restore you to normal function and/or elite athletic performance. |
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12. Patient Education
Your therapist will educate you on how to best manage your problem during and after physical therapy; including self-care strategies, home exercises and work ergonomics. We can also advise you and, when necessary, your trainer on how to best reach all your fitness goals. |
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13. What should I expect during the first visit?
When you first arrive at the clinic, have your insurance card and driver’s license available for photocopy. You will also need to give us your prescription for physical therapy from your doctor. Paperwork will then be given to you to fill out. It is recommended that you come in 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete the paperwork. You can also download the paperwork to complete ahead of time.
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14. What should I wear?
Loose comfortable clothing should be worn so that the areas being assessed are easily exposed for examination. Comfortable shoes are also recommended. Gowns are also available for your convenience. |
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15. How long will each treatment last?
Each treatment lasts for 60 minutes and involves one-on-one manual therapy treatment with the physical therapist, therapeutic exercise performed at the clinic to ensure proper mechanics and techniques and usually ends with modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice or heat pack. It is important to perform home exercises as prescribed by the physical therapist outside of the clinic. |
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16. Will I have to do exercises?
Therapeutic exercise is a very important component of your rehabilitation program. Compliance with a home exercise program will facilitate recovery, makes changes from physical therapy more permanent and help prevent risk of re-injury. The exercises always performed at the clinic first before it is prescribed for your home program to make sure it is done correctly. A hand out will be given with diagrams to help you remember your home program. |
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17. Will I have the same physical therapist each time I come?
We prefer that each patient remains with the same therapist for each visit so that the physical therapist can follow you through the full course of treatment and be the primary contact for communication with other health care providers including your doctor. On occasion, you may see another physical therapist if there is a conflict in schedules. You may request to schedule with a female or male therapist if there is a preference. |
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18. Do I need to see a doctor before I go to physical therapy?
You are welcome to schedule a free consultation without a prescription to discuss any problems you may have and how me may help you. |
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19. How many visits will I need?
The number of visits is dependent on the individual, the diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, medical history, prior level of function etc and can range from a few visits to a few months. The physical therapist will discuss with you how many visits you will require and how long you should expect to be in physical therapy to reach maximal function. |
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20. How much will I have to pay for physical therapy?
The amount paid out of pocket depends on individual insurance plans and coverage. We will gladly verify your insurance and explain your benefits and financial responsibility before your first visit. For those patients without coverage options, discounted cash rates are available, and vary depending on diagnosis and treatment. |





