FAQs | Excel Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is the use of various forms of exercise and manual, “hands-on” techniques, often in conjunction with physical modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and water, designed to reduce symptoms and restore normal function and activity.

The treatment programs utilized at Excel Physical Therapy are designed, performed and supervised by licensed Physical Therapists. To become licensed, the Physical Therapist must have a Bachelors degree then obtain a Masters or Ph.D in Physical Therapy. They must then pass a national board exam.

Remember only a Licensed Physical Therapist can safely offer you “Physical Therapy” services

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

Who Needs Physical Therapy?

Anyone suffering from an ache or pain, stiff joints, muscle weakness, movement problems or recovering from any type of surgery, injury or illness may benefit from physical therapy.

Whether you are a construction worker or a “desk jockey”, an 8-year-old soccer player or high school gymnast, a senior citizen or teenager, an Olympic athlete or “weekend warrior”, Excel Physical Therapy can help you get back to doing what you do!

How Can Physical Therapy Help Me?

If you have suffered from an injury or illness or you are recovering from a surgery, a comprehensive evaluation and a customized treatment plan created by our professional, licensed therpists will be used to help you get rid of your painful symptoms and restore your strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination, function and mobility back to normal.

What Conditions Are Commonly Treated By Physical Therapists?

Musculoskeletal Conditions
Sprains and Strains
Sport Injuries
Pre and Post Orthopedic Surgery (i.e. Torn Ligaments)
Degenerative Disk Disease
Low Back Pain
Neck Pain
Whiplash
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Tennis Elbow
Carpel Tunnel
Frozen Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Overuse Injuries
Post-fracture Weakness/Stiffness
Arthritis
Muscular Headaches
Other Conditions (Burns, Wound Care, Lymphedema, CVA (Stroke), Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Pregnancy Related Conditions)

Is Physical Therapy Covered Under My Health Insurance?

Almost all insurance products have some form of coverage for physical therapy. Check with your specific plan to see what benefits you have for physical therapy. Excel participates with most health insurance plans plus Worker’s Compensation, Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, PPOs and auto insurance.

How Do I Make An Appointment To See A Physical Therapist?

You can call us directly to set up an appointment, but we suggest you first speak with your physician about your condition to discuss your desire to see a Physical Therapist. If you do not have a physician, contact us and we will help you get the proper care lined up.

How Long Will My First Appointment Take?

You should plan on 60-90 minutes for your first visit. This appointment will include an evaluation and some type of treatment depending on your condition. Follow- up visits will be discussed and the length of those visits will be determined based on the patient’s needs.

What Should I Bring Or Wear To My First Appointment?

As a patient, you should wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Also, bring your physical therapy script from your physician and your insurance card. Copies of medical records are not required, but may be helpful for your physical therapist to review.

What Might Cause The Pain I Feel When Reaching Overhead?

There are numerous conditions that could be present if you have pain with overhead activity. The most common conditions are tendonitis, impingement, adhesive capsulitis “frozen shoulder”, or a rotator cuff tear. It is important to be examined by a doctor or physical therapist to get an accurate diagnosis and plan of care.

What Can Physical Therapy Do For My Shoulder Pain?

A licensed physical therapist will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the source of your shoulder pain. Physical therapy will restore your shoulder range of motion, decrease pain, and improve strength. The physical therapist will also set you up on a home exercise program to prevent further injury.

What Is A Frozen Shoulder?

A “frozen shoulder” describes a painful, stiff and weak shoulder joint. It has a medical name of “adhesive capsulitis”.

It usually develops gradually as a side effect of some type of injury. It can become a serious and long-term problem if not treated early on. If you are having pain and/or stiffness when you move or lift your arm, consult your physician.

What Is The Function Of The Rotator Cuff?

There are four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. They are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The primary function of the rotator cuff is to hold the shoulder joint securely during overhead movement. If tendonitis or a tear of the rotator cuff is present, it will be difficult and painful to use your arm for even the simple tasks of daily life.

How Fast Can I Return To Work After Shoulder Surgery?

Returning to work depends on the type of shoulder surgery performed and your daily requirements at your job. Most shoulder surgeries require you to be in a sling for a specific amount of time limiting the amount of motion you can perform with the affected arm. This can vary from a few days to up to six weeks. The important thing is for you to understand “and follow” the restrictions set by your surgeon while being diligent in attending your physical therapy sessions.

What Is The Meniscus In The Knee?

The menisci is the cartilage “shock absorber” located between the femur(thigh bone) and the tibia(lower leg bone). They act as mechanical spacers and prevent contact between these two bones. The menisci distribute greater than 50% of the total forces across the knee in weightbearing situations. The knee has both a lateral and medial meniscus. The menisci are frequently involved in knee pain and dysfunction. The meniscus can become torn during knee injuries and often is “trimmed” during arthroscopic surgery. Sometimes, the meniscus can be repaired.

Can Physical Therapy Help The Pain Around My Kneecap?

Pain in and around the kneecap, or “patellofemoral pain” is very common. Symptoms include pain when sitting for a prolonged period of time, such as at a movie, pain when negotiating stairs, or even pain when jumping or running. An evaluation by a physical therapist will include a look at your foot and knee posture, hip and pelvic alignment, hip and lower extremity strength and flexibility. All of these factors can cause patellofemoral pain and is successfully treated with the proper rehabilitation program.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Avoid A Knee Replacement (Total Knee)?

By reducing daily stresses to your knee, you may be able to “buy” more time before needing that total knee. A thorough exercise program that focuses on your knee range of motion and strength will improve your tolerance and endurance for daily activities. Activity modification as instructed by a physical therapist will also help to reduce your pain and improve your physical capabilities. Excel’s physical therapists can instruct you in an individual rehabilitation program to address your specific needs.

How Can I Tell If I Have Tennis Elbow?

Pain on the outside of the elbow is commonly referred to as lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow.” Tennis elbow is usually an overuse injury resulting from repetitive activity. When the muscles of the forearm are overworked they become inflamed. Most of the inflammation and pain takes place on the outside of the elbow. It is painful to touch and perform elbow and wrist activities.

What Is Causing The Pain In My Shins?

I’ve been running outdoors for ten years. In the last couple of weeks I developed pain in both of my shins. What caused this to show up all of a sudden?

You are describing what is commonly known as “shin splints”. For runners, the common causes are changes in your route (more hilly), distance or speed. Also check your running shoes for excessive or uneven wear.

How Do I Know If My Lower Back Pain Is A “Slipped Disk” Or Just Sore Muscles?

Most minor low back pains are not disk related. A “slipped”, “bulging” or “herniated” disk is most generally associated with pain, tingling, numbness and/or weakness in one or both legs. If you are having any of these symptoms, see your Physician.

What Should I Do About The Numbness/Tingling In My Legs and Feet?

First, speak with your physician about your condition. It is very likely that you are having some nerve irritation which is causing swelling and compression of nerves that travel to your leg. There can be many causes including disc bulging, disc herniation, degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. Physical therapy can help by improving your spinal mobility, stability and strength. There are also treatments and techniques to reduce the compressive forces on the spine.

Will Physical Therapy Help Problems I Have Noticed With My Balance?

I am elderly and have noticed problems getting up out of a chair and some problems with my balance, will physical therapy help?

First, you should talk with your physician about your condition to rule out any neurological problem. If your physician has determined that you need some help with balance and strength there are several ways that Excel’s physical therapists can help. A structured exercise program including aerobic exercise on a stationary bike or walking, balance training with a PT, and general strengthening for the lower extremities will help you get up out of a chair without difficulty and decrease the likelihood of falling.

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