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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Questions Answered

WHY PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?

Physical therapists are specialists in movement dysfunction.  A physical therapist is a trained health care professional who can diagnose and treat people of all ages for conditions that limit their ability to move and perform daily functional activities.  A physical therapist’s goal is to improve your quality of life by using hands-on manual therapy, prescribed exercises and patient education to teach you about how to manage your current injury and prevent future injury.  Physical therapy helps you to return to your normal lifestyle and functional activities, reduce or eliminate the use of pain medication, potentially avoid surgery, and actively participate in your treatment plan.

WHAT IS THE EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS?

All physical therapists are licensed and have graduated from an accredited graduate program.  Majority of licensed therapists have a Masters degree and many hold Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy.   Physical therapists can also be board certified, fellowship trained, and/or hold other post-professional certifications like manual therapy.

HOW IS ALAMO PT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINICS?

At Alamo PT, we pride ourselves in providing excellent care to patients in a professional but laid-back atmosphere.  Your care while in our clinic is directed and implemented by a licensed therapist with a focus on individualized attention.  Our therapists have over 35 years of combined experience and continually attend educational programs to further our knowledge and ensure we are providing evidence-based treatment.

DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION TO COME TO PHYSICAL THERAPY?

No, we can evaluate and treat you for a couple of weeks without needing a prescription from your physician.  If you need treatment for a longer period, or if we feel it is necessary based on your initial evaluation, you will need a doctor’s prescription.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY INITIAL EVALUATION/FIRST APPOINTMENT?

On your first appointment, you will be evaluated by a physical therapist.  Your physical therapist will discuss your symptoms with you and then perform a series of physical tests determined by your symptoms and chief complaints.  Following the evaluation portion, your physical therapist may perform some manual therapy and instruct you in an initial exercise program for home.  
    If you completed the paperwork through the link sent to you by our office, please arrive 5 min. prior to your appointment time.  If you were unable to complete the paperwork prior to the appointment, please arrive 15 min. prior to your appointment time.  
    Please wear comfortable clothing which enables your physical therapist to view the injured/symptomatic area (athletic wear works).  Your initial evaluation will last about 1 hour.  

HOW LONG ARE THE FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS?

Most appointments last 45 min to 1 hour.

HOW MANY TIMES WILL I NEED TO COME TO PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Each person is different regarding the number of sessions needed to return them to their normal functional activities.  Most patients attend physical therapy 1-3 times per week for 4-8 weeks.

AM I ABLE TO MAKE MY COINSURANCE OR COPAY PAYMENT OVER THE PHONE OR ONLINE?

Yes!  We are happy to accept your payment over the telephone.  At this time, we are not able to accept payments online.