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Tara Diel, PT Laurel 443.790.4472 |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Manual Physical Therapy
Who can benefit from manual physical therapy?
Manual physical therapy is effective for people of all ages, ranging from infants to the elderly. It is a gentle non-invasive approach to treatment which is equally beneficial for active individuals, people with a more sedentary lifestyle, and individuals who have problems resulting from various traumas. It is a great complement for women throughout their pregnancy and can be helpful in assisting the mother’s body to resume its normal functioning post-partum. Manual physical therapy is also beneficial for babies to address birth trauma, reflux, colic, constipation and a variety of other concerns seen in newborns or children. Children and adolescents can also benefit, not only after an injury, but also to address ADHD, bedwetting, scoliosis and postural concerns. In the elderly population, manual therapy is a gentle way to help improve mobility and relieve pain. Almost every person and every condition can benefit in some way from manual physical therapy treatment.
How long are treatment sessions?
The initial evaluation lasts 90 minutes and each subsequent session is approximately 60 minutes
What should I wear for treatment?
It is easiest to treat patients in loose fitting gym shorts and a t-shirt
What to expect at the first session?
Patients are requested to fill in a detailed history form prior to their initial visit (which will be availble for downloand from this website soon) and bring it with them to the first visit. At the first visit, this detailed history will be reviewed to assess any current or previous conditions or trauma that may be affecting the patient's main complaint. Following this comprehensive review, the therapist will observe the patient's body looking for symmetry throughout structures. The patient will be assessed fully for areas of immobility, evaluating the whole body, including the cranium, spine, sacrum and viscera (organs). Many of the assessments become treatment and so during the evaluation, treatment has actually already begun.
If I determine that manual physical therapy is not appropriate or feel the patient would better benefit from a different type of intervention, this will be discussed.
Is manual physical therapy painful?
Manual physical therapy is very gentle and I always respect the limits of my patient's tolerance. It is not unusual for a patient to feel some discomfort, or soreness for a day or two after treatment as their body adjusts to the manual techniques that were performed and the new mobility that is present in their body.
Are there any adverse effects to consider?
No, there are no adverse effects from having manual physical therapy treatment. Any discomfort or soreness following treatment is just the body adapting to its new alignment and should go away. Often a warm bath with Epsom salt or a short ice application (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, 10 minutes on) will resolve the discomfort. If a patient has any symptoms that do last longer than a few days, or any significant discomfort, I always want to know about it so any concerns can be addressed.
How much does an assessment or a treatment cost?
Initial assessments cost $200 for a 75 minute evaluation. Treatments cost $140 for a 60 minute follow up session. Longer sessions can be arranged at a cost of $35 per 15 minute increment. For children, shorter sessions can be arranged at a reduced cost. An appointment cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will result in a $60 fee for the patient. Also, should the patient arrive late for their appointment they will still be billed the full ammount. Please plan to arrive on time for all apointments.
I do not accept insurance, however, many insurance plans do have out of network physical therapy benefits which will reimburse patients for a percentage of their therapy costs after they meet their deductible. You can contact your insurance company to find out what your plan will cover.
How many treatments will be needed?
There is no set answer to that question. Each patient has individual concerns and individual needs. Recommendations will be made after the initial evaluation and are based on the assessment and the therapist's professional opinion. Generally treatments are spaced 1-2 weeks apart to allow the patient’s body to fully integrate the previous treatment. Often patients will see improvement within three treatment sessions and the average number of sessions is between 4-8. Some patients with chronic or longstanding problems benefit from returning regularly for preventative intervention and some patients only require 1-2 treatments. This is truly based on the individual.
Other Questions?? Please Feel free to e-mail me and I will get back to you with an answer!
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