Tag Archives: physician

Direct Access: Physical Therapy Without A Physician Referral

November 2, 2017 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

Did you know that almost all states allow consumers to be treated by a qualified physical therapist without a referral from a physician? It is called direct access and most of our PT&Me partnering locations are able to provide direct access to physical therapy to your community.

EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Quality and consistency of care are the cornerstones of our partnered clinics. Everything the clinics do is directed towards developing and fostering these behaviors. Quality means doing things that work. Licensed physical therapists design programs of care that have been proven to be effective treatment interventions. You can expect individualized, hands-on care.

HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY

Your well being is our primary concern. Our direct access physical therapy clinics will always do what is best for you. After your initial physical therapy evaluation, your physical therapist will recommend the appropriate plan of care for you. They will not waste your time or money if physical therapy is not your best option for a full and quick recovery.

PHYSICIAN PARTNERS

Our partnered direct access physical therapy clinics have wonderful relationships with numerous physicians in and around your community. If you choose to receive physical therapy via direct access, your therapist will communicate appropriately with your physician at your discretion. If you are new to the area or you do not have a physician and need one, they will be happy to help facilitate a referral to a doctor for you.

* Not applicable to patients in federal or state funded programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare

For more information about direct access physical therapy and to see if your state participates, go here:

This article was written by STAR Physical Therapy – with over 65 locations throughout TN. For more information on STAR Physical Therapy, visit them online at www.STARpt.com

March is National Athletic Training Month

March 16, 2017 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events, Sports and Fitness

March is National Athletic Training Month! Your protection is our top priority. Athletic trainers are health care for life and sport.

Athletic trainers specialize in patient education, injury prevention, and are an athlete’s first line of defense from the time of injury to recovery. Athletic trainers work closely with coaches and parents and may refer athletes to other health care professionals such as physicians, physical therapists and surgeons when needed.

What is an Athletic Trainer?
Athletic trainers hold at least a four year degree from a BOC (Board of Certification) accredited institution. they are licensed, certified health care professionals working with athletes on and off the field. Generally they are the first responders when injuries occur during sporting events.

Athletic trainers work closely with coaches and parents and will refer athletes to other health care professionals such as physicians, physical therapists and surgeons when needed.

Athletic trainers hours are determined by sports schedules. Typically they are available after school and stay until sporting events have concluded.

For more information about our athletic trainers, and what they do visit NATA’s websites at: www.nata.org or www.atyourownrisk.org

Trigger Point Dry Needling

December 6, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Back, Blog, Foot, Knee, Manual Therapy, Shoulder

Dry needling uses small, thin needles to stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular and connective tissues for the management of many orthopedic conditions, both acute and chronic. By inserting a needle into the dysfunctional tissue, it often leads to a contraction of the muscle which then stimulates a relaxation. This leads to a reduction of pain, improvements in flexibility and a restoration of normalized movement when combined with corrective exercises.

WHAT IS A MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT?
A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle that produces local or referred pain. The trigger point can lead to increased pain, decreased flexibility and decreased muscle function if not treated. Trigger point dry needling is a safe, effective and efficient treatment technique to release these painful spots.

WHAT TYPE OF PROBLEMS CAN BE TREATED?
Muscle dysfunction can be the primary or secondary contributing factor to many neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• Dry needling must be specifically prescribed by a physician.
• Dry needling is not covered by insurance, it is a cash based modality.

This information was written by The Jackson Clinics, a locally owned physical therapy practice in multiple locations throughout Northern Virginia. They specialize in outpatient orthopedics and sports rehabilitation. Their therapists and assistants possess advanced clinical skills in spinal disorders, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and peripheral joint problems, including rotator cuff injuries, knee injuries and foot and ankle pain. They also also have specialty programs in breast cancer rehab, vestibular rehab, pediatrics, post-cancer rehab, aquatic therapy and women’s health. For more information click here.