the Price of Physical Therapy

I went to physical therapy because I fell at work and finally needed arthroscopic surgery on my knee. My first visit the therapist did a full medical report and evaluation. They then discussed the treatment plan for my recovery and mobility. The emphasis was put on my mobilization and balance.

They used heat and cold therapy before and after physical therapy treatments to reduce the inflammation and to help with stretching of the tendons around the knee joint. This was a one one therapy session, with a certified accredited therapist. After the heat therapy I was instructed and assisted with a warm up on a recumbent bicycle for the time of 5-10 minutes with no tension used on the bike. I then was but to an area to stretch out the muscles in my leg and knee. This area consisted of medical rubber bands fastened to the wall and put behind my heels of both feet. I was instructed to pull outward as far as I could with these bands for 5 minute intervals.

I was then asked to lay on a message table and a large rubber ball was placed under my heel, I was told to roll the ball back and place with a slight bending of the knee for 10-15 times. I then was told to do various leg exercises that would increase the stretching of the muscles when still on the table, this lasted approximately 15-20 minutes. I then was escorted and spotted to walk in a straight line with one foot in front of the other and do that forward and reverse for 20 feet.

The cost of my physical therapy was inclusive and included all materials needed and a one on one therapist.

I would say that the customer care as a patient I receive at this facility was excellent and outstanding. My therapist was on time, prompt and they did not over book his clients as some facility as do.

The superior attention and structured physical therapy routine they used to help me during my therapy sessions was more than I expected. The physical therapist was not only caring, educated and informed on my treatment plans, but listened to me with any concerns or input I may have had.

The physical therapist was in constant contact with my Orthopedic Doctor if she/he noticed any problems or concerns. The nice thing was this therapy center was adjacent to the Orthopedic Doctor's practice so anything that could of or would of arise was addressed and handled promptly, not only by the physical therapist but by my Orthopedic Doctor or his staff.

The exercise equipment used for my physical therapy was top notch, first class and up to date and modern, with no equipment broken or need of repair. Nor did they lack in the area of exercise equipment used in my therapy, for I never had to wait for any exercise equipment to be available.

My suggestion to anyone that may need physical therapy is check out the facility first before you commit to any one for each one is different. The difference being in equipment and supplies if it is top notch or is it old and out of dated, is the staff licensed therapist or are they medical technicians or not in a medical licensed field?

This will greatly effect not only the cost but your treatment plans. Is your treatment plan made under the direction of a licensed therapist then given to those that are not trained in physical therapy?

I found the best physical therapy was done by the same person that was licensed as a physical therapist from the get go. Meaning that person is the one that handled all my physical therapy and knew me, my therapy plan and my limitations. This made me more comfortable with the care I received and I felt I was not just another patient.

I would suggest talking to your doctor why they are sending you to therapy to begin with and what the expectations are before you enter any physical therapy program. This will give you an idea of your progress as the physical therapy sessions goes from week to week.