Out of All the Questions We Receive, This One is the Most Common… “What is physical therapy?”
The use of exercise, manual therapy and different techniques to improve movement patterns, increase function and decrease pain to overall improve quality of life.
“Do I need imaging before coming to PT? MRI? Xray?”
No you do not need imaging before coming to PT. At the initial evaluation will do specific testing to determine a diagnosis. If the evaluating therapist suggests further imaging to rule out or confirm any concerns that may not be appropriate for physical therapy such as a recent fracture, it is appropriate at that time.
“How long do I have to come to PT for?”
The answer to questions like this will vary a little from person to person, because each individual as their own, personalized plan of care.
At this clinic most appointments last for about an hour to be able to accomplish what is needed each visit. As for how many visits this is determined at the initial evaluation by the Physical Therapist based on their findings of their testing. They will recommend how many times a week and for how many weeks. This may change over the course of the treatment based on how the patient is responding to care.
“What do people go to PT for? Do you have to be in pain?”
There are many reasons why people go to physical therapy, the most common reason is a recent injury or surgery. However patients may come to physical therapy for chronic issues, gait issues, balance, posture, muscle imbalances, decreased function, prevention of injury, etc.
“What is the difference between a stretch and strengthening exercise?”
Stretch: slow sustained position to increase muscle length and flexibility. May be static or dynamic in nature depending on the goal.
Strength: repeated muscle contraction to increase growth and muscle balance.
“How do you decide how many reps and sets of an exercise?”
It depends on the purpose of the exercise.
If it is to increase strength we generally start at 2 sets of 10, you should be able to get through the first set with some onset of fatigue and need a break. At that time taking a short break and then finishing the second set. If you no longer need a break it is time to increase your reps, increase the resistance or make the exercise more challenging.
If it is for power, it will be a more challenging exercise with higher weight or resistance. Less reps and more sets will be assigned.
For endurance the load or resistance may be low but there will be more reps in each set.
Why do I have to do home exercises? Are they really that important?”
Compliance with home exercises is very important. In the early stages it helps ensure that the patient understands the exercises and helps to set the foundation for properly progressing throughout treatment. The more compliance earlier in the treatment the better the outcomes and the less time needing to be spent at physical therapy!
Want to schedule an evaluation or have more questions?
Call us today at (703) 450-4300 and find out if physical therapy could benefit you!
Let us help you live pain free!
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