Frequently Asked Physical Therapy Questions Questions
You’ve got questions and we’re here to help! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Therapydia.
What are physical therapists?
Physical therapists are experts in movement, qualified to examine patients and develop treatment plans to improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent injury. They are the health care practitioners with the most specialized education to help people improve motion and restore function. During your course of treatment, they will administer a variety of techniques that may include manual therapy, various exercise strategies, and patient education to help you move better.
Physical therapists complete a rigorous three-year doctoral program with curriculum heavily focused on the sciences. They must also pass the National Physical Therapy exam and obtain a license for their state of practice. At this point, their quest for knowledge is only beginning…
Physical therapists are lifelong learners. As part of requirements for licensure, PTs continue to earn education credits by taking additional coursework annually, throughout their whole career. It is this continuous accumulation of knowledge and experience that gives them the ability to utilize the most innovative treatment approaches available.
What conditions do Therapydia physical therapists treat?
We’re so glad you asked. Our physical therapists treat a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions, many of which are listed here: Conditions Treated
If you have a question about a particular condition, give us a call and we’ll provide assistance however we can.
What makes Therapydia different than other physical therapy clinics?
At Therapydia, we don’t operate like a traditional physical therapy clinic. We believe in longer, hands-on treatments that allow you to work one-on-one with a physical therapist for the duration of your plan of care. With a focus on keeping you healthy for the long-term, we believe in patient-centered physical therapy, providing you the knowledge and tools necessary to take an active role in your recovery. The sunlit, boutique environments at our clinics offer modern interior design and state-of-the-art equipment. We also offer a range of customized wellness programs like yoga, Pilates, and TRX, which are frequently incorporated into treatment regimes. Our goal is to get you on your path to lifetime wellness.
Additionally, we offer Annual Wellness Assessments to utilize physical therapy as a wellness tool beyond rehabilitation and chronic pain relief. The wellness assessment helps to identify important areas of focus in order to reduce your risk of injury and help to monitor your performance and improvement over time.
What treatment methods are used by your physical therapists?
Every treatment at Therapydia will be different as there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to recovery. You are unique and so too will be your plan of care. Physical therapists utilize a variety of treatment techniques based on your condition, the source of your pain, your body, daily activities, and individual goals. A few of the common treatment methods they may use include:
• Manual therapy, which are skilled, hands-on techniques to mobilize and manipulate joints, decrease pain, increase flexibility, and loosen tight tissues.
• Exercise programs that are specifically designed for your body and your particular condition.
• Patient education to modify daily behaviors that may be causing pain or dysfunction and to ensure that you’re not putting yourself at risk or injury down the road.
Do I need to see a doctor before I come to see one of your physical therapists?
Hawaii is a Direct Access state, which means that you can receive immediate treatment from a physical therapist without first seeing a physician, saving you time and money. Though some insurance plans may require you to obtain a referral from a doctor, we can always check for you prior to beginning treatment.
With that in mind, our therapists are also qualified to recognize when a patient exhibits symptoms outside of the scope and expertise of physical therapy. We’re more than happy to refer you to a physician or additional health care provider when necessary.
What should I expect?
When you visit a physical therapist for your initial evaluation, they’ll start out by conducting a full-body movement assessment to test your strength and flexibility as well as to observe functional movements that you complete regularly, on a daily basis. Based on your results, they’ll design an individualized plan of care to address any physical dysfunctions, improve your symptoms, and educate you about your condition. The job of a physical therapist is to provide a patient-centered treatment approach, giving you the knowledge and tools necessary to take an active role in your recovery.
Therapydia focuses on patient satisfaction and the highest possible quality of care. Your treatment will include one-on-one sessions with a physical therapist, lasting approximately 45 minutes. At the end of each PT session, you’ll leave with an updated home exercise program.
Do I need to bring anything to my initial evaluation?
For your first visit, we ask that you bring:
• Comfortable clothing and athletic shoes—you’ll be moving!
• Photo ID
• Health insurance card and co-payment (if applicable)
• Insurance referral (if needed per your insurance policy)
• Patient Intake Forms (Can be filled out online here OR can be printed here)
Do you take my insurance?
Therapydia works with most insurance groups. We can always check your insurance coverage and are happy to do so. Learn more