Do you have a question about In-Home Physical Therapy that we haven’t yet answered for you? Please browse our list of Frequently Asked Questions for answers to these and other queries regarding OnSite Physio.
Everyone is eligible to receive in-home physical therapy services. While those with limited mobility and transportation options may be most attracted to an in-home treatment option, this model is not limited to this particular demographic. In-home physical therapy can also prove valuable to seniors, busy families, people struggling to perform functional daily tasks related to the home, and those who simply appreciate the uninterrupted one-on-one time they get from an in-home PT.
We outline the value of at-home physical therapy treatments throughout our website, but here’s a quick summary: at-home physical therapy is more convenient (especially if you have limited mobility, time or transportation options), are often less stressful because you’re in your most familiar space, and you get the most fully, undivided attention of the physical therapist. By becoming familiar with your home environment, our physical therapists can adapt treatments and functional exercises to your home space.
The short answer is no. You have the right to direct access to physical therapy services, including at-home physical therapy. Some insurance plans, however, may enforce their own requirements (such as the need for a referral) prior to covering your visit. To make this easier for you, we accept a variety of insurance plans and can guide you through each of their requirements for physical therapy. Just give us a call, and we’ll answer your questions about access and insurance.
The most important part of preparing for any physical therapy appointment is to be prepared to share symptoms your experiencing, complications or limitations you’ve been dealing with, and questions you have about … well, anything regarding your condition, treatments or our physical therapists. Also be prepared to discuss aspects of your medical history such as medications you take, injuries or surgeries you’ve had, and other health care professionals you’ve been seeing.
From a more physical perspective, be sure to dress in loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely, even if you have limited mobility. Also, be sure your clothes provide simple access to areas of interest the physical therapist will likely need to examine (i.e., your knee, back, shoulders, and so on).
You won’t need a LOT of space for your appointment, but enough space that will allow for an examination, movement assessment, and some exercises/demonstrations. A 10-by-10-foot space would be ideal, but if you don’t have that type of open space, no problem! The beauty of in-home physical therapy is that, from assessments and treatments to therapeutic exercise, we adapt to your home and your space. As in-home physical therapists, we want to be sure that the treatments and exercises we provide for you work within your world, and by being on-site, in your home, this allows us to do this in the most precise way possible!
An OnSite Physio representative will contact you to learn a little bit about your circumstances surrounding your need for therapy and will collect your insurance information. Once we verify your benefits, we will provide a detailed summary of what the expected cost and coverages will be. OnSite Physio will then provide you with a secure link for processing your payment(s).
An OnSite Physio representative will contact you to learn a little bit about your circumstances surrounding your need for therapy and will collect your insurance information along with any referrals, orders or prescriptions for therapy.
Physical therapy is highly individualized, but most first appointments follow a similar process. They all begin with an initial evaluation by one of our highly skilled physical therapists. This evaluation will include a discussion of:
Your physical therapist will continue by performing a series of assessments around or related to the injured area that look at issues such as swelling, inflammation, pain, range of motion, strength, flexibility, functional movement, and so on.
Once fully evaluated, the physical therapist will discuss with you possible treatment options related to both the challenge/ailment you’re experiencing and the personal goals you have for PT. This may include frequency of appointments, education, home-based treatments and exercise (made simplified since the appointment is in your home), and so on.
A good rule of thumb is to simply wear loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely and which provides easy access to the area of the body that’s giving you problems. If your at-home visit is due to knee pain or injury, be sure to wear shorts. If the issue is with your neck or shoulders, wear a loose T-shirt or tank top. We want you to be comfortable as you are fully evaluated and treated.
You will be assigned to one of our licensed, highly skilled physical therapists, who will travel to your home to evaluate you and your condition. You will see this physical therapist each visit thereafter. We firmly believe that by allowing you to work with a single physical therapist (as opposed to seeing a different person each visit), our PT will more fully get to know and understand you, your conditions, your goals, and your home environment. This will lead to a better patient experience and, ultimately, a better treatment outcome.
Yes, all physical and occupational therapists and assistants are required to be licensed in the states within which they practice. Most states require continuing education in order to remain licensed.
This ultimately depends on your condition and what you and the physical therapist determine is your best course of treatment for achieving your goals. Often, treatments are multifaceted and may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, joint mobilization, patient education, and so on. Your physical therapist will fully discuss all your treatment options and recommendations before proceeding with your individual course of treatment.
Of course. Your course of treatment will be determined with input from you, your physical therapist and your physician. When needed, we will provide your doctor with progress reports and updates, and we’ll consult with her/him whenever necessary.
Sessions and treatments will usually last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
This just depends on your condition and the severity of your pain or injury. Sometimes one or two appointments may be enough, while other conditions may require multiple treatments over the course of several weeks. Sometimes, we can simply check in virtually (a.k.a., telehealth) to see how you’re progressing and answer questions. We will remain fully transparent during the evaluation and treatment process regarding what you may expect with your individual situation. And, where appropriate, we will fully consult with and provide updates to your personal physician.
In physical therapy, the adage of “No pain, no gain” does not apply. Physical therapy should not hurt, and we closely monitor all treatments to ensure your experience is effective yet comfortable.
Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon. Sometimes additional treatments may be required, but not always. If your problem returns, simply give us a call and we’ll consider the best option for moving forward. This may include additional in-home visits, or it may simply involve changes in exercise and/or your daily routine.
Most of the time, your physical therapist will provide you with exercises you can continue to do in your home to either continue treatment or to simply prevent future flare-ups and injuries.
It’s likely your treatments will be paid through your health insurance. To learn about which insurances we accept or to discuss possible cash-pay options, please call us or reach out via our contact page.
Physical therapists are movement experts who will help you live your best, most active life with minimal pain, injury and movement limitations. They do this through treatments and modalities that are natural, effective, and often less invasive and expensive as medications and surgeries.
As top health care professionals, physical therapists view all musculoskeletal injuries and ailments as a consequence of factors that exist not just in the problem area, but throughout one’s entire body – the way it moves, compensates for limitations, and accommodates its environment. As such, physical therapists treat all patients holistically, always with an eye toward improving one’s quality of life.
Physicians focus on ensuring the various biological systems of the body remain healthy and in working order. A physical therapist’s focus is on the body’s musculoskeletal system – the way it moves and functions as you go through life. This includes rehab following an injury or surgery, and it includes identifying and treating weaknesses, limitations, defects and other factors that may lead to discomfort, pain and injury in both the short and long term.
Physical therapists are also apt at utilizing movement and exercise to manage, treat, and even prevent chronic conditions, from pain to diabetes, arthritis, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, etc.
Yes, many licensed physical therapists pursue specific specialties and certifications based on personal interests or passions. Such specialties often require hundreds of hours of specialized training and experience to earn and maintain certifications in such areas as women’s health, geriatrics, pediatrics, sports, orthopedics, oncology, neurology, and so on.
Please contact us if you have questions about specific certifications help by our current team of physical therapists.