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Physical Therapy in Greenville FAQs

If you have pain or limitation and live in Greenville-Spartanburg SC, then call the rehab experts at Purposed Physical Therapy at (864) 881-1712 or you can fill out our New Patient Form by clicking HERE and we will call you!


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  

What Health Insurances do you work with?

That is a great question, and answered on this page of our website: https://www.purposedphysicaltherapy.com/About/Health-Insurance

 


Is Physical Therapy for me? Why are People Referred to Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC?

Physical Therapists are professionals who understand movement and function. The Physical Therapists at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC are skilled at assessing and managing a range of conditions including:

  • Physical conditions such as back pain, arthritis and repetitive strain injury
  • Sports injuries
  • Paediatric conditions such as developmental delay, fractures and cardio respiratory conditions
  • Post surgery recovery
  • Physical complications of cancer and its treatment
  • Incontinence
  • Mobility problems related to neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury or Parkinson’s disease
  • Pre- and post-natal problems and other women’s health conditions
  • Neck and back pain and other joint injuries
  • Respiratory and cardiac conditions
  • Dizziness and vestibular dysfunction

(Ref: CPA, 2007.)

The Physical Therapists at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC can also help you to prevent most of the above conditions by offering advice on posture, exercise and workplace and lifestyle habits.

Physical Therapists are highly skilled in treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and Physical Therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

 


What can I expect on my first Physical Therapy visit ?

During your first visit you can expect the following:

  1. Your current condition and cause of the injury.
  2. Your past medical history including medications, tests, and procedures related to your health and current problem.
  3. The intensity of your pain – for example, when and what aggravates the pain and what you currently do to ease the pain.
  4. How your condition/pain is impacting your daily activities. What are your functional limitations?
  5. What you hope to achieve from Physical Therapy i.e.: setting your individual goals.

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC. The Physical Therapist will perform an objective evaluation which may include some of the following:

  1. Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for tenderness, possible swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, or deformity.
  2. Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist may move certain joints, to check for the quality of movement and to assess for any abnormalities of these joints as well as the ligaments, muscles, and tendons that surround them.
  3. Active Movement and Strength - the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded.
  4. Neurological Screening - the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
  5. Special Tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
  6. Posture Assessment - the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.

The Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC will review your symptoms and objective findings from their examination and discuss the findings with you. Together you will plan your treatment. The therapist will continually evaluate the effect of treatment on your condition and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. Your plan will also help you manage your condition at home and educate you on how to prevent reoccurrence of problems.

 


How should I dress for Physical Therapy?

You should wear loose fitting clothing so that your Physical Therapist can easily move your joints and entire body as that helps us perform a thorough examination. You should be able to expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a sleeveless tank top is a good choice. For low back problems, wear loose fitting shirt and shorts.

 


How long will each Physical Therapy treatment last?

All of our one-on-one treatments, we block an hour (though sometimes visits can go slightly longer) for each patient we see at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC.

 


How many Physical Therapy visits will I need?

This is highly variable and depends on several factors including your type of injury, your personal medical history, and how well your condition responds to the treatment.  You may need only one visit or you may require several visits and many months of care. Your Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC will discuss with you how many visits you may require. Your progress will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis and will assist your Physical Therapist in adjusting your frequency of treatment as needed.

 


Do I need a script or referral from my doctor for Physical Therapy?

If you have Medicare, then a referral or script is required before starting Physical Therapy.

If you have any other health insurance, then you do not require a referral or script for the first 30 days of care at see a Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy! In the state of South Carolina, patients have direct access with provisions to Physical Therapy. So within 30 days, a script or referral is required to continue care beyond 30 days. Since it usually takes time to get a script or referral, we encourage seeking out a script or referral after the initial visit.


Your script or referral can come from any of the following medical professionals: MD, DO, PA, DDS, DPM, or Nurse Practitioner from any state! The script or referral does not need to come from your regular doctor. It can come from any medical professional (even if it's a family member or friend) with those credentials. Additionally, if you need greater than 30 days of physical therapy, we have referral forms already prepared for you to bring to your MD, DO, PA, DDS, DPM, or Nurse Practitioner in order to continue care. We want to make it as easy as possible for our patients!

​Lastly, Physical Therapist are trained in differential diagnosis. Meaning, we are able to discern the true causes of your pain, dysfunction, or injury. If we deem that the cause of your pain, dysfunction, or injury is: (1) beyond our scope of practice, (2) Physical Therapy is contraindicated, (3) or there is no documented improvement within 25 calendar days of the start of treatment, then we will refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider. Our ultimate goal is to get you feeling better!

 


Do you communicate with my doctor?

​As stated in our privacy policy, Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC is dedicated to maintaining your privacy to the highest standards. Unless you explicitly inform Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC that you wish to have your medical records disclosed to your primary care physician (PCP), we will assume you are exercising your right to privacy by paying cash for your services. We believe 100% in continuity of care and keeping health care providers in the loop, but will only do so if you wish. If you want your records disclosed to any third party in the future, you will need to obtain and sign our “Disclosure to Release Protected Health Information” form before we will disclose your health information. 

 


What happens if I have an Out-of-Network Insurance?

Physical Therapy is covered by pretty much all insurance providers, but Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC chooses to only be in-network with Blue Cross Blue Sheild and Medicare.

Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC still sees plenty of patients who have a health insurances that we are out-of-network with. For these patients, they will pay a low cost self-pay rate prior to each visit, which many times is close to or cheaper than going somewhere in-network. Once each visit is finished your Physical Therapist will email you a CMS-1500 invoice (the gold standard of insurance invoicing) for you to submit to your health insurance's out-of-network benefits. Most commercial insurance companies often reimburse patients for these Out-Of-Network treatments once a patient has met their deductible.

Unfortunately, the only health insurance we legally cannot create an out-of-network invoice for is Tricare & Medicaid. See next question for more details.

It may not initially seem effective to choose a location that is out-of-network with your health insurance, but when you consider the specialized treatment you are receiving at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC, and you realize the costs and decrease in quality that a different in-network provider would provide, then you will find you actually save money and feel better, faster with Purposed Physical Therapy's patient-focused, value-based treatment style.

 

You can pay for any services at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC with your Health Care Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) no matter if you have an in-network or out-of-network health insurance.
 


Do you treat patients with Tricare or Medicaid?

Yes, at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC our Physical Therapist can treat Tricare and Medicaid beneficiaries, BUT we chooses to not be an enrolled provider with Tricare or Medicaid. Thus, your visits will be selfpay, and we will not create an invoice for you to submit to your insurance. Only if you have Tricare Standard/Select can we create an invoice for you to submit for possible reimbursement! 


Since Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC does not believe in discrimination against our armed services or those who require government assistance, thus if you have Tricare or Medicaid, and would like to receive Physical Therapy services, then you will just have to sign additional paperwork in our new patient packet. This will enter you into a private contract with our company stating you agree that neither you, nor anyone else, will submit a self-claim to Tricare, Medicaid, or any Secondary Payer for any type of reimbursement. If any reimbursement is request by the patient, your insurance may require additional charges for both the patient and Out-of-Network provider.

If you would like Physical Therapy services to be covered by Tricare or Medicaid, and if you have a Physician referral for such, then we will be happy to recommend other providers in the area who are in-network and enrolled with Tricare and Medicaid. We want what is best for you, even if this means you need to be seen by another provider!

 


Do you work with Workers Compensation?

​Unfortunately, Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC currently does not.

 


What type of Physical Therapist professions are in Greenville, SC?

The baseline education of all Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC includes post-secondary training in a broad range of disciplines which enables them to assess and treat a variety of injuries and problems. While there are no formal Physical Therapy “specialists” many  Physical Therapist go on to focus their practice in one particular area by undertaking extra training, and by developing knowledge and skills through treatment of a  large volume of patients within an area of interest.

Some of the common Physical Therapy practice areas are listed below. Ask your Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC if you are interested in knowing about any advanced training or skills they have acquired.

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy - Probably the most common Physical Therapy practice area is orthopaedics. These practitioners are skilled in post-surgical care, fracture rehabilitation, muscle sprain and strain injuries, neck and back pain, hip and knee problems, shoulder, elbow, and wrist conditions, as well as arthritis, tendinitis injuries, and a wide variety of other orthopaedic problems. Some therapists even go on to further focus within orthopaedics to one particular body part or injury, for example, neck pain resulting from whiplash.

Manual Physical Therapy - Manual therapy is a broad term that describes a variety of hands-on treatment techniques. Mobilizations, manipulations, Mulligan techniques, Maitland and Kaltenborn techniques, neural mobilizations, joint mobilizations, craniosacral therapy, strain/counter strain, and myofascial release are examples of some commonly used manual therapy techniques. Most Physical Therapists dealing with orthopaedic conditions incorporate some form of manual therapy as a part of their treatment plan.

Geriatric Physical Therapy - Some therapists focus particularly on rehabilitation for seniors. As the body ages, a variety of age-specific challenges arise. The body stiffens, loses strength, balance declines, bones may become brittle (osteopenia) and easily break (osteoporosis,) endurance decreases, and it takes longer to recover from injuries. Balance and fall prevention are of paramount importance to the therapist who is working with seniors and for this reason, some clinics are dedicated solely to caring for those with balance problems. Although most Physical Therapists work with some senior/geriatric patients, geriatric Physical Therapists deal solely with the aged population and are therefore especially skilled in dealing with the age-related changes that occur.

Sports Rehabilitation – Sports Physical Therapists are focussed on assisting with recovery after injury or surgery related to a sporting activity. They have extra training and knowledge of the unique injuries that sporting activity can create, whether at a recreational or Olympic level. Each sport tends to generate a common set of injuries and sports.  Physical Therapists are knowledgeable in dealing with these specific injuries as well as the many other non-specific injuries that occur due to sport participation. Sport-specific programs, such as throwing, running or swimming tend to be incorporated into the rehabilitation used by these therapists with the goal of getting the patient back to the specified sport as soon as safely possible. Many sport Physical Therapists will also use manual therapy techniques (see above) as part of their rehabilitation programs.

Fitness and Wellness – All Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC have been trained with a baseline knowledge in fitness and wellness. Some Physical Therapists, however, focus their practice solely on creating or teaching individual or group programs for fitness or to prevent or deal with a wide variety of other health related areas.  Issues such as osteoporosis, diabetes, weight loss, cardiac problems, and fall prevention are examples of these focus areas.

Hand Therapy – All Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC have baseline training and knowledge in the rehabilitation of the hand after injury.  The hand, however, due to its complex anatomy, functional ability and importance for normal daily function, has become an entire practice area on its own.  Hand therapists tend to work very closely with plastic surgeons that specialize in hand operations, and also work very closely with occupational therapists to ensure that the function of the hand post surgery or injury is maximized.

Women's Health Physical Therapy – These Physical Therapists focus their practice in women's issues such as pregnancy problems, pelvic pain, and incontinence. When compared to men, women have both a unique body structure as well as specific gender-related health issues that can arise. Physical Therapists who work primarily in women’s health all have advanced knowledge and training regarding these problems and issues.

Industrial Rehabilitation Physical TherapyPhysical Therapists in industrial rehabilitation deal specifically with patients that have suffered on-the-job injuries. They acquire extra training in such things as evaluating work tasks and ergonomics, fabricating assistive devices, and helping to redesign work flow/tasks to decrease the incidence of injury. Often industrial rehabilitation Physical Therapists will evaluate the ability to perform specific job tasks by performing a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) and will then use this information to modify job tasks in order to maximize rehabilitation.

Paediatric Physical Therapy – Paediatric therapists focus their practice in the rehabilitation of children. In comparison to adults, children present with unique issues in regards to their bodies, and health. These specific paediatric issues need to be taken into account when treating and caring for this population; therefore the training and knowledge of a paediatric Physical Therapist is crucial.  These Physical Therapists deal with children who suffer from a wide variety of problems such as cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, neurological disorders, and/or orthopaedic issues.

Aquatic Physical Therapy – Aquatic therapists take advantage of the physical properties of water to assist with the rehabilitative process. Buoyancy, turbulence, hydrostatic pressure, and the thermal properties of water can assist in the rehabilitation of a patient. Those suffering from chronic pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar fusion surgery, or with a limited weight-bearing status are just a few of the many different patient populations that can benefit from aquatic therapy.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Neurological Physical Therapy – A large portion of Physical Therapists work with patients who suffer from neurological conditions such as brain injury, spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other neurological diseases. The rehabilitation for these patients is highly specialized and includes functional training or retraining of their limbs in order to accomplish tasks such as moving around in bed (bed mobility,) getting in and out of a bed or chairs (transfer training,) walking, and wheelchair use if needed.

Dizziness and Vertigo Physical Therapy – Some Physical Therapists and entire clinics devote their practice to the rehabilitation of patients who suffer from dizziness or BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). These therapists are highly skilled in managing these unique issues and the associated problems that arise.  The therapists are highly trained to use special techniques that affect sensory and balance centers of the brain and limbs in their rehabilitation.

Amputee Physical Therapy – These Physical Therapists focus their practice in the rehabilitation of amputees. Their special knowledge and expertise includes caring for the injured limb, training for the use of assistive devices (crutches, canes, prosthetic limbs, etc.), as well as functional activity and walking training.

Wound Care Physical Therapy – Some Physical Therapists have further training in the treatment and care of wounds. This is another very focussed practice area and requires advanced knowledge in the removal of unviable tissue (debridement), the application of special dressings and prescription drugs/ointments, and the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and aquatic modalities to promote healing.

Lymphedema Physical Therapy – These Physical Therapists have trained specifically in the treatment of the lymphatic system.  This system is a special component of the circulatory system that helps filter and drain fluid from our arms and legs. When this drainage system is damaged, painful and detrimental swelling can result which is called lymphedema. Common causes of lymphedema are cancer treatments, specific diseases, surgery or immobility. Special positioning, massage and bandaging techniques are utilized by the lymphedema Physical Therapists to both avoid the onset of lymphedema in high risk situations as well as treat it if it occurs.

Osteoporosis Rehabilitation and Prevention Physical Therapy – Some Physical Therapists as well as entire clinics focus their practice in the evaluation and treatment of patients with osteoporosis (low bone mass leading to bone fragility and increased fractures.) These therapists work closely with medical doctors to educate their patients about this disease, and design very specific weight-bearing and resistance training programs to combat it.
No further corrections were required below.

 


Is Physical Therapy painful?

Usually one of the primary objectives of Physical Therapy is pain relief, and most patients feel better after treatment. However, in some cases, Physical Therapy techniques can cause discomfort. For example, it may be painful recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery. Other techniques such as deep massage can sometimes feel painful. Even prescribed exercises may cause some pain to a recovering body part.  Some patients feel sore immediately after a treatment but then feel great relief by that evening or next day. Discomfort felt DURING TREATMENT OR AFTER TREATMENT should be UNBEARABLE OR EXCEED YOUR COMFORT LIMITS. If so, let your Physical Therapist know so they can modify your treatment.

Since each patient has a different pain tolerance, if you do experience pain it is of utmost importance that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain frequently to your Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC both during your treatment and on subsequent visits. Without this information, it is difficult for your Physical Therapist to adjust the treatment techniques and treatment plan to provide the individual care that each patient requires.

 


Will I get a Massage during Physical Therapy?

Massage may be part of your Physical Therapy treatment. Your Physical Therapist is trained in a wide variety of manual therapy techniques that assist recovery (including massage), so generally several different techniques are used even in one treatment session. Massage, if used, is typically done for three reasons 1) to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, 2) to relax a tight muscle, or 3) to relieve pain. Typically, when a patient is seeking solely a Massage they should schedule an appointment with a Massage Therapist. 

 


What happens if my problem or pain returns?

‘Flare ups’ (exacerbations) of managed pain or a recurrence of a problem can occur for a variety of reasons. If this happens you should either call or return to see your Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC.  You may need to return to Physical Therapy for further assessment or treatment, may need to see your doctor, or may simply need to modify your daily activities or exercise routine until the flare up subsides or the problem resolves. 

 


Can I go to any Physical Therapy clinic?

In most cases, you have the right to choose any Physical Therapy clinic you wish to go to, regardless of what a doctor's script or referral states. The best thing to do is give us a call and we can answer any questions you might have.

 


What will I have to do after Physical Therapy?

Your Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC will be very specific regarding what you need to do independently once you have stopped your Physical Therapy sessions.  Some patients will need to continue with home exercises to manage their injury or avoid a recurrence. Some may be asked to return for a follow-up several months later. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities without an ongoing home-program or need for further follow-up. It is important that you ask your Physical Therapist at Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC specifically about what you should do once you are no longer attending regular Physical Therapy treatments, and that you clearly communicate your goals to your Physical Therapist, so he/she can develop a custom home program tailored just for you.

 


What should I look for in a Physical Therapy clinic?

These are some things you may consider when looking for a Physical Therapy clinic:

  • The Therapist should be licensed in the state or province.
  • The first visit should include a thorough medical history and physical examination before any treatment is rendered.
  • The patient goals should be discussed in detail during the first visit.
  • The Therapist should be open and willing to discuss any questions you have about your problem on an ongoing basis.
  • Care should generally include a variety of techniques which might include hands-on techniques, soft tissue work, and therapeutic exercises and in some cases heat, cold, electrical stimulation or ultrasound.
  • Does the clinic have any Therapist with special training or experience that can address your unique problem area? (e.g. vestibular rehab, urinary incontinence, post-stroke) 
  •  

 

As is often the case in life, word of mouth is the best referral, so ask your family and friends who or which clinic they would recommend.  If you are not happy with the services you are being provided, take control of your own health, and make a change.  There a thousands of excellent, highly qualified, knowledgeable Physical Therapy clinic out there helping patients everyday. Find one that is the right fit for you!

 -Purposed Physical Therapy in Greenville SC

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